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Ramon Llull - Father of the Catalan Language

Philosopher & missionary from Palma

featured in Famous residents Updated

Ramon Llull (1235-1316) was a wealthy courtier n Palma until a disastrous seduction attempt led him to retire to Puig de Randa in isolation.

Devoting himself to prayer and study, he wrote in Catalan and Latin on everything from algebra to metaphysics; he is widely seen as the father of the Catalan language. Recalled to the court by Jaume II, he established an Oriental language school at Valldemossa and learnt Arabic with the help of a Moorish slave. He was stoned to death attempting to convert Muslims in Tunisia.