The Gothic script popularly known as blackletter. It is characterized by angularity, lateral compression, a marked contrast between thick and thin strokes, a regular rhythm of minims, small ascenders in proportion to minim-height, and the fusion of opposing bows. Textualis developed over the course of the 12th century (see Pregothic) and was used to the end of the Middle Ages and beyond. The first printing types were based on late Textualis. See also Rotunda.