The Spread of Christianity in Europe

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

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

3. 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 Italyand Spain.

4. How was Christianity Spread Throughout Europe? • Missionariesand monksspread Christianity to Northern Europe.

5. Missionaries • Missionaries are people who travelaround to spread their religion. • Traveled throughout Europe spreading Christianity to Britain, France, Germany, and Ireland. • Some missionaries were named saintsfor their devotion to Christianity. • A saint is a religious titlegiven to people famous for their holiness. • Saint Benedictis a famous missionary who converted the people of Ireland to Christianity.

6. Famous Saints • Saint Claire of Assisi FraAngelico, Saint Francis and a Bishop Saint,Saint John the Baptist and Saint Dominic,1430-1433 • Saint Nicholas • Saint Roch

7. Monks • Monkswere religious menwho lived away from society in their own religious communities called monasteries. • A monasteryis a place where monks lived. • St. Benedictbuilt the first monastery in 529 in Italy. He wrote a book called “The Rule” for monks to live by.

8. 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.

9. Religious Centers of Learning • Monks handcopied ancient religious books and Greek and Roman writings. • The monks made illuminatedmanuscripts in which the first letter of the page was large, colorful, and highly decorated. • They also drew colorful illustrationsin the margins.

10. How was Christianity Spread if Monks Never Left the Monastery? • They provided healthcareto the people who lived in the area. They also gave foodto the poor and ran schools. • The abbotwas in charge of the monastery. The abbot and other monks advised local rulers. • Other religiousorderswere started when a group of monks decided to follow their own rules.

11. 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 Christianlives.