The sestina is one of several forms that originated with the troubadour poets of medieval Provence. It is said to have been invented towards the end of the 12th century by Arnaut Daniel. Dante Alighieri admired Daniel's sestinas and introduced the form into Italian poetry.

Where did the sestina come from?

The sestina originated among the troubadours of medieval France's Provence region, and the modern thirty-nine line form is attributed to one of these traveling poet entertainers of the twelfth century, Arnaut Daniel. Daniel's sestina form was admired by Dante Alighieri, who introduced it to Italian poetry as well.

What is a 37 line poem called?

The sestina remains a popular poetic form, and many sestinas continue to be written by contemporary poets.