Final answer:
Religion and politics were significantly intertwined during the era ca. 600-ca. 1450, with religious institutions like the Roman Catholic Church greatly influencing political matters and rulers using religion to legitimize their power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering the era of ca. 600-ca. 1450, one can argue that religion and politics interacted significantly, which is evidenced by numerous instances where religious institutions influenced political decisions and vice versa. For instance, the alliance between secular leaders in England and France with the Roman Catholic Church was pivotal for their legitimacy. The Roman Catholic Church's role in preserving classical Greek and Roman literature and law further underscores this interplay. Additionally, the Protestant Reformation, triggered by Martin Luther in 1517, illustrates how theological discontent can have profound political ramifications, resulting in the development of Protestant sects throughout Europe, where decisions to either convert or remain Catholic were deeply tied to political motivations.
The emergence of monarchies in post-Roman Empire Europe is another example where rulers promoted and defended Christianity to legitimize their rule. This prominence of religion within the political sphere suggests a deeply interwoven relationship, contrary to the notions of separation or minimal interaction. However, this interaction did vary across different regions, reflecting the complex dynamic between cultural ecology and the politics of the era.