Question

How was the role of the abbot at Cluny different from the similar position held by other abbots in other monasteries? Later, what benefits did the monastery at Cluny gain by being granted the "privilegium" (cf. pg 150)?

Answer 1

The abbot at Cluny held a unique role with greater autonomy compared to other abbots, leading to Cluny's influence in the Cluniac reform movement. The monastery's 'privilegium' led to economic power, ascendance as a center of learning, and contributed to the preservation of classical knowledge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of the abbot at Cluny differed from other monasteries during the reform movement aiming to remove secular influence from church management. Cluniac reform sought to achieve independence for monasteries from the control of local aristocrats and secular lords. The abbot of Cluny was granted greater autonomy compared to his contemporaries in other monastic communities, who often remained influenced by local nobility.

Largely due to the privilegium, the monastery at Cluny gained numerous benefits, including the ability to control its own affairs without interference from external powers. This newfound independence allowed Cluny to lead a widespread reform movement within the church, paving the way for monastic communities to grow in economic strength, become centers of learning, and preserve classical knowledge through the hand-copying of books, while also playing a key role in the administration and communication within Christian societies.