03A: The Church and Rome: Monasticism and the Papacy

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Monasticism

• Major institution in general, in and around Rome in particular
• “Reform” movements of 11^th c especially based in monastic experience

 

Origins to St Benedict (ca. 480-547)

Models

• Essenes
• Jesus’s apostles

Rise of ascetics: especially in North Africa, East Mediterranean

• Anthony of Egypt (251-356): organization of eremitic  monks
• Rome ca 340: Athanasius of Alexandria and 2 other disciples of Anthony
• Other early centers: Roman Gaul, Ireland

 

Cenobitic (community) monasticism: Benedict  ca. 480-547

• Monte Cassino
•  Rule
• a community dedicated to the Service of God.
• Main work (opus dei):  communal prayers (Offices)
• Abbot

donations of land by pious

Rome: monasteries both in city and countryside; canons

Ex: Farfa, 6th c.

Regulation of monasteries

• Internal: abbot (and monks)
• External: by region Roman law (diocese); non-Roman (independent or under lord)

10^th c + efforts to being stronger, more consistent external organization

 

Papacy

Byzantines and church hierarchy

Associations with Peter: seen by 3rd c

Triclinium Leoninum, detail

Santa Prassede, Zeno Chapel, Saints Peter and Paul

Constantine:   traditional Roman role: ruler as defender of religion

500 (ca) term exclusive to Bishop of Rome

Justinian: recognized 5 top church leaders: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem; Rome the highest Latin authority

Development of political powers

Northern Europe: often Christianized under direction of ruler

•  Exception: England/Gregory the Great
• Efforts at transition: 8^th c with Boniface (672-754)

Charlemagne

 

Pope as leader of Latin Christians versus Pope as ruler of Rome+

 

After the Carolingians: new disorders and migrations of peoples

Efforts to rebuild and return to order

Conflicts over those reform efforts: the papacy and Rome