In this episode we will dive into what life was like for a medieval Benedictine monk. We will talk about the vows they made and the codes they abode by like the Vows of Stability, Conversion, Obedience, Chastity, Poverty, and Silence. We will also discuss their daily schedule including what they did for prayers and work. We will learn about the different occupations monks found themselves in such as farmers, cheesemakers, brewers, butchers, builders, bookbinders, scribes, historians, and teachers. Last of all, we will discuss the discoveries monks made in their various occupations and in their spare time such as creating the field of genetics and paleography; breeding a new type of bee; and inventing the motor, the steam engine, and tennis.
Sources for this episode:
The Daily Life of Medieval Monks - World History Encyclopedia
Medieval Monks: The Life and Times of God’s Men in Robes | Ancient Origins (ancient-origins.net)
The Rule - Friends of Saint Benedict (benedictfriend.org)
Benedictine Vows – Saint Martin's Abbey (stmartinsabbey.org)
