Why Are Monasteries Important In Medieval Times

Monasteries were important in creating the culture of the medieval times. Monasteries were where classical authors created music, sermons and studied. It inspired individuals to experiment and adopt new ideals. The Christian Monasteries were responsible for passing on the education and culture during the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It started the development of early medicine and pharmacies as well as agriculture advances, manufacturing, and labor division. Monasteries started with groups of individuals desires to create beautiful places of worship for their Gods. Many of these monasteries were admired throughout the centuries for their art, literature and advancements in religion.
Prior to monasteries, individuals chose to worship God
in the comfort of quiet places. These people were later known as hermits and they gathered followers who listened to them preach. These groups inspired the creation of medieval age monasteries. These hermits later became saints. Existence of monasteries dates back to fourth century Egypt where hermit, Pachomius, convinces others to join him; it was the first instance of communal monasteries and he was able to create around ten communities. His rule continues through to the sixth century in Italy where Saint Benedict founded several monasteries. Their days were divided into three parts. First, they would devote to services in the church such as praying. Second, they would devote to reading, writing or meditation. Third, they would devote to labor such as gardening or taking care of the sick. This pattern is also used in the thirteenth century because monks and nuns performed many of these services as well.
In the thirteenth century, Monasteries promoted and encouraged the advancement of learning and literacy.
Many individuals offered land and fortunes. The endless amount of donations given allowed monasteries to grow not only by size but also culturally. They preserved classical and ancient literature including those from the Roman Empire. Composers would create sophisticated music praising their religion and religious houses welcomed sculptures and paintings from artists. The style and decorations of the buildings would vary depending on the traditions and culture of that monastery. They were vital in creating art in books as well as the architecture of the buildings around them. Books were used in almost every occasions like mealtime and meetings. Religious texts were required in all monastery libraries. Other books were used for specific religious practices. During the thirteenth century, monks and nuns with parchment, and by mixing ink, copying text by hand and creating beautiful paintings, created most of these religious texts. Aside from books, monasteries also contained paintings and sculptures for individuals to worship their God. With all these advances, monasteries grew in popularity and as the wealth increased so did the demands. Multiple noblemen desired to be buried in monasteries. Individuals
wanted
Monasteries greatly influenced the culture and religion of the medieval age. They promoted their admiration of art as well as their religious practices on the people. Even though they had small beginnings, they allowed people to freely express their ideas of religion as well as listen and believe in the ideas of others.