World civilization: history and development

Rome

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, monasteries became a vital institution in Europe in the Middle Ages. One reason for their crucial role was the continuation of the Roman culture effects in Byzantine, in Constantinople. When western Rome fell, the culture moved to the east. However, the emperors and leaders in this new Byzantine Empire were Christian, so were able to continue the monasteries' cultures.

Further, the bishops of Rome remained in place following the fall of Rome, and many of the invaders of Rome respected these leaders, since they were at least marginally Christian themselves. Thus, as the invaders began to have disputes, they often appealed to the bishops of old Rome for resolution, and in this way, the bishop became the political and spiritual leader of post-fallen Rome. In addition, the Church had long been responsible for the conversion and education of the public, and this role continued beyond the fall of Rome. Since the invaders generally had little formal education, the monasteries were primarily responsible for their learning.

Still another aspect of the monasteries that improved their standing following the fall of Rome was the sophistication and knowledge of and experience in human affairs that the monastery had come to represent. Literature, learning, and scholarly life wad preserved within the monastery, even while the previous areas of Rome were left in disarray.