Final answer:
Monasteries were the primary centers of learning in early Medieval Europe, responsible for preserving and copying texts, as well as educating the clergy. They played a broader role within the fabric of society, including missionary work and as integral parts of the feudal system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The centers of learning in early Medieval Europe were primarily the monasteries. Monasteries served beyond their religious functions; they played an essential role in the preservation and transmission of knowledge during a period when Europe was undergoing significant transformation.
Aside from their role in education, monasteries also functioned as communities that supported missionary work, provided refuge in times of crisis, and became integrated into the larger feudal system. The High Middle Ages saw a flourishing of trade and intellectualism, with the establishment of universities and the adoption of scholasticism, combining faith with reason.