Monastic Life in the Middle Ages

What was the primary focus of a monk's life in the Middle Ages?

• Prayer and self-denial

• Wealth accumulation

• Scientific research

• Political influence

Why did St. Benedict choose to live in a cave?

• He wanted to start a new religion

• He was conducting scientific experiments

• He was hiding from enemies

• He wanted to avoid the temptations of city life

What was the purpose of the sign language developed by monks?

• To communicate secretly with outsiders

• To avoid talking during meals

• To write books

• To perform rituals

How did monks' prayers gain commercial value?

• They were sold in markets

• Monks advertised their prayers

• Prayers were taxed by the government

• Rich people paid monks to pray for them

What was the paradox of monastic wealth?

• Wealth led to more prayers

• Wealth made monasteries more austere

• Wealth attracted more monks

• Wealth made monasteries less pure and simple

What distinguished the Cistercian monks from others?

• They wore colorful robes

• They lived in cities

• They followed strict rules of poverty and simplicity

• They were known for their wealth

What was a significant technological advancement of the Cistercians?

• Building skyscrapers

• Developing advanced water supply systems

• Inventing the printing press

• Creating complex musical instruments

How did the Cistercians contribute to the economy?

• By creating a super sheep for high-quality wool

• By running large banks

• By building ships

• By trading spices

What led to the decline of monasteries in the Middle Ages?

• Wars with neighboring countries

• Natural disasters

• Public resentment and corruption

• Lack of new monks

Who was responsible for the dissolution of monasteries in England?

• Pope Urban II

• King Henry VIII

• William the Conqueror

• King Richard the Lionheart