Question

How had the role of monasteries changed by the 1200s?

Answer 1

By the 1200s, monasteries had evolved from simple religious communities to vast estates with significant political and economic power. Many monasteries had become centers of learning and culture, with libraries, scriptoria for copying manuscripts, and universities attached to them. Monastic orders also played a key role in the administration of justice and the preservation of law and order in society. Additionally, monasteries had accumulated vast amounts of wealth and land through donations, leading to conflicts with secular authorities over land ownership and taxation.Overall, the role of monasteries in society had expanded to encompass not only spiritual matters but also economic, political, and cultural spheres.