The Spread of Christianity in Europe Monks, Monasteries, Missionaries, and Friars

Europe after the Fall of the Roman Empire After the fall of the Roman Empire, barbarian tribes set up kingdoms throughout Europe. This was the beginning of the Middle Ages, a time period from 500 AD to 1500 AD. The Middle Ages is also called the Medieval Times.

Europe After the Fall of the Roman Empire Many of the kingdoms in the North were not Christian. Christianity was only strong in places that were once part of the old Roman Empire, like Italy and Spain.

How was Christianity Spread Throughout Europe? Missionaries and monks spread Christianity to Northern Europe.

Missionaries Missionaries are people who travel around to spread their religion. Traveled throughout Europe spreading Christianity to Britain, France, Germany, and Ireland. Some missionaries were named saints for their devotion to Christianity. A saint is a religious title given to people famous for their holiness. Saint Benedict is a famous missionary who converted the people of Ireland to Christianity.

Famous Saints Saint Claire of Assisi Saint Nicholas Saint Roch Fra Angelico, Saint Francis and a Bishop Saint,Saint John the Baptist and Saint Dominic,1430-1433 Saint Nicholas Saint Roch

Monks Monks were religious men who lived away from society in their own religious communities called monasteries. A monastery is a place where monks lived. St. Benedict built the first monastery in 529 in Italy. He wrote a book called “The Rule” for monks to live by.

Monks Monks had to take an oath of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Monks had the duties of work, studying, and praying. A monastery had to be self-sufficient so the monks had to make everything that they would need. They farmed, cooked, and sewed.

Religious Centers of Learning Monks hand copied ancient religious books and Greek and Roman writings. The monks made illuminated manuscripts in which the first letter of the page was large, colorful, and highly decorated. They also drew colorful illustrations in the margins.

How was Christianity Spread if Monks Never Left the Monastery? They provided health care to the people who lived in the area. They also gave food to the poor and ran schools. The abbot was in charge of the monastery. The abbot and other monks advised local rulers. Other religious orders were started when a group of monks decided to follow their own rules.

St. Francis of Assisi and the Friars In the 1200s, Saint Francis of Assisi founded a new order of monks called Friars. They traveled around to care for the sick and poor. The friars tried to teach people how to live good Christian lives.