• How had the role of monasteries changed by the 1200s?
• What were students trained for in the first schools of the Middle Ages?
• What changed in education during the High Middle Ages?
• What were some of the reasons towns grew during the High Middle Ages
• In the 1200s, the role of monasteries had shifted from being solely religious centers to also becoming centers of learning and knowledge. Monasteries housed libraries, scriptoria for copying manuscripts, and schools for educating monks and sometimes outside students.
• In the first schools of the Middle Ages, students were primarily trained for careers in the clergy or for positions in the royal or noble courts. Education focused on religious teachings, Latin language and literature, and practical skills such as reading, writing, and basic mathematics.
• During the High Middle Ages, education became more widespread and accessible. The establishment of universities in major European cities like Paris, Oxford, and Bologna provided advanced education in various subjects such as theology, law, medicine, and philosophy. Education also expanded beyond the clergy to include some members of the nobility and eventually even commoners.
• Towns grew during the High Middle Ages for several reasons, including the revival of trade and commerce, the rise of a money-based economy, and the emergence of guilds and artisan workshops. The increased economic activity attracted people to towns seeking employment opportunities and access to goods and services. Additionally, the growth of towns led to a greater demand for skilled labor, which in turn contributed to the rise of specialized crafts and trades.