Here's why:
* Renaissance: While the Renaissance saw a resurgence of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture, Latin remained the primary language of scholarship and intellectual discourse. It was used in universities, by humanist scholars, and in the writing of key texts like those of Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus.
* Reformation: The Reformation, a religious movement, relied heavily on Latin for its theological debates and the translation of the Bible. Key figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin wrote extensively in Latin, and the printing press helped spread their ideas throughout Europe.
* Scientific Revolution: While vernacular languages began to gain prominence in scientific writing, Latin remained the dominant language of scientific communication in the 16th and 17th centuries. Important scientific works like those of Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton were initially published in Latin, ensuring their wider reach among European scholars.
While Latin was the common language, it's important to note that the vernacular languages (like Italian, French, and English) also played a significant role in spreading these ideas to a wider audience. However, Latin's dominance as the language of scholarship and communication made it a crucial factor in the transmission of these transformative movements.