Tempore facts for kids

Tempore (pronounced TEM-por-ay) is a Latin word often used in old historical writings. It means "in the time of." Historians use it to talk about a period when someone was alive or active, even if their exact birth and death dates aren't known. It often refers to the time when a certain king or queen was ruling.

This word comes from the Latin noun tempus, which means "time." So, tempore literally means "in the time (of)." When you see it, it's usually followed by a name, like Tempore Regis Henrici Primi, which means "in the time of King Henry the First." This would refer to the years 1100 to 1135, when he was king.

What Does Tempore Mean in History?

Tempore helps historians understand when events happened or when people lived. It's especially useful when exact dates are missing. Instead of saying "John lived from 1090-1140," a document might say "John lived tempore King Henry I." This tells us John was around during Henry I's reign.

How is Tempore Used?

The most famous place you'll find tempore is in the Domesday Book. This was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror in 1086. In almost every entry about a piece of land, you'll see the phrase Tempore Regis Eduardi. This is often shortened to TRE.

What is TRE?

TRE stands for Tempore Regis Eduardi. This means "in the time of King Edward (the Confessor)." King Edward ruled England from 1042 to 1066. So, when the Domesday Book mentions TRE, it's talking about the period right before William the Conqueror took over. This helps historians compare how much land was worth or who owned it before and after the Norman Conquest.

Why is Tempore Important for Historians?

Many old documents, like royal charters, list people who were witnesses to important agreements. These documents are often dated by the reign of the king or queen who issued them. If a person's name appears as a witness, historians know they were alive and active tempore that monarch. This helps them piece together timelines even when birth and death records are missing.

Tempore vs. Floruit

You might also come across another Latin word, floruit (pronounced FLOR-oo-it). While tempore means "in the time of" and refers to a period of life or activity, floruit means "flourished."

When to Use Floruit

Floruit is often used for artists, writers, or thinkers. It points to a time when they were particularly creative or productive. For example, if a painter's exact lifespan is unknown, but their best works were created between 1450 and 1480, a historian might say they floruit during that period. So, tempore is about simply being alive or active, while floruit highlights a time of great achievement.