5.3 Monks and Missionaries

• Geschiedenis
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 1

5.3 Monks and Missionaries 

Goals

1. The student can describe the daily life of monks in the Middle Ages
2. The student can explain the importance of monasteries in the Middle Ages
3. The student can explain three reasons why English monks became missionaries
4. The student can explain three reasons why Frankish leaders supported missionaries
5. The student can explain how missionaries:

• Tried to convert heathens
• Tried to make sure converted people remained Christians

The establishment of Monasteries 

• In the 3rd century AD, Christians in Egypt moved to the desert to devote their lives to God. 
• During the 4rth century, hermits decided to live together in monasteries 
• Together, they could help each other to resist temptations

<-- Monastery of Saint Anthony

Assignment instructions

Write down the following questions in your notebook. Make sure to leave some space for an answer. 

1. What kind of people went to a monastery? 
2. What were the main rules of a monastery? 
3. What were the main buildings within a monastery? 
4. What kind of activities did the monks do during the day? 

Assignment instructions

1. You will receive sources for one specific question.  This means that you will become an expert on that question. 
2. Write down the answer to your question in your notebook. 

Time = 10 - 15 minutes. 

Done? Do question 2 and 3 of paragraph 5.3

Assignment instructions

• In a group, you will discuss the answers to the 4 questions (your homework assignment).  
• Write down the answer to the questions you haven't answered yet. That way, you will have all the answers at the end of this discussion

Time = 10 minutes

Done beforehand? Do question 5 and 8 of paragraph 5.3 

What kind of people went to a monastery?

• Wealthy people that were not needed to work on the land. 
• Widows
• Alternative to marriage
• People who had had a vision
• Intelligent people

What were the main rules of a monastery? 

• Poverty
  
• Chastity
  
• Obedience

The oldest copy of the Rule

of Saint Benedict --> 

What were the main buildings within a monastery

• Church
  
• Dormitory
  
• Kitchen + refectory
  
• Cloister Garth + walk
  
• Library + scriptorium
  
• Infirmary

What kind of activities did monks do during the day?

• Pray
  
• Read/write books
  
• Work in the garden
  
• Work in the infirmary
• Brew beer

Missionaries 

• = Someone who wants to spread their faith/religion. 
• In the Early Middle Ages, a lot of Christian monks became missionaries and traveled through Europe to convert heathens = people who did not believe in the Christian god. 
• Famous missionaries: Willibrord and Bonifatius.  

Missionaries 

How did they convert heathens?

1. They tried to convert the lord of a territory first --> acted as an example to his people
2. By convincing heathens their god(s) was/weren't so powerful --> e.g.: destroying their holy places. 
3. By using force