Positurae were a method of punctuation developed in the Carolingian Period consisting of markings indicating different pause types rather than height. The types included the punctus for a minor pause, punctus elevatus for a major middle pause, punctus versus for a strong end of sentence pause, and punctus interrogativus for a question mark. Positurae were first used liturgically to guide voice pitch and then spread to other texts.

1. Positurae
Latin translation: “positions”

2. What is it?
• A method of punctuation developed in the
Carolingian Period (or 8th century), consisting
of different markings pertaining to the pause
or break type, instead of height.
• Types: punctus (minor pause), punctus
elevatus (major middle pause), punctus
versus (strong pause, end of sentence),
puntus interrogativus (question mark).
• First use was liturgical, to guide voice pitch,
and then spread into other textual contexts.

3. Examples, please?

4. References
• Main, L. (2017). Introduction to
punctuation. [Lecture]. San Jose State
University, San Jose, CA.
• Muir, B. (2014). Ductus – handwriting and
bookmaking in the Middle Ages. [Website].
Retrieved from
http://amazon.sjsu.edu/html-
ductus/engine/mother.html