During the Middle Ages, Cluny Abbey dominated western Europe with a power that rivaled the papacy itself. The abbots of Cluny—men of great sanctity and commanding ability—centralized the Benedictine Order into a system in which they directly controlled all of the hundreds of other monasteries. Under their guidance, thousands of monastics joined together in studies and activities that greatly enriched medieval life. As an outgrowth of their efforts, the code of chivalry was created, which redirected the energies of warring knights into the Crusades; pilgrimages to the numerous monasteries became fashionable, which increased the exchange of knowledge and culture throughout Europe; and monastic business models began to influence secular commerce. This program offers a fresh look at the architecture and sociopolitical impact of Cluny, at one time the largest church in the Western world. (53 minutes)

English