Abstract
The article focuses on the figure of Herman of Dalmatia (ca. 1110–1154/1160), one of the most eminent scholars of the twelfth century, a translator and philosopher probably originating from the lands of the southern Slavs. The study is set against the background of the development of Arabic science and culture on the Iberian Peninsula and the activity of the famous Toledo School of Translators, which became a major center for the transmission of Eastern knowledge to Europe. The aim of the article is to present Herman’s biography, his scholarly and translational work, and his significance for the intellectual development of medieval Europe. The research is based on Latin and Arabic sources, as well as modern studies devoted to the scientific culture of the twelfth century, and includes a comparative analysis of Herman’s translations and attributed texts. The author discusses Herman’s achievements in astronomy, astrology, and philosophy, as well as his connections with figures such as Robert of Ketton and Peter the Venerable. Particular attention is given to his Latin translation of the Qur’an and his renderings of works by Abū Ma‘shar, Euclid, Ptolemy, and al-Khwarizmi, which enabled the West to become acquainted with the intellectual heritage of Arabic and Greek science. The conclusions emphasize that Herman of Dalmatia served as a key intermediary between Arabic and European cultures. His translation activity and original treatises, such as De essentiis and Liber Imbrium, testify to his synthesis of Greek, Arabic, Indian, and Latin knowledge. Through his efforts, medieval Europe gained access to essential achievements of Eastern scholarship, making him one of the most important intellectuals of his era.
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