Final answer:
Religious orders, particularly monasteries, played a significant role in the development of literacy in Europe during the first millennium. Monks hand-copied books and preserved knowledge through illuminated manuscripts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religious orders, particularly monasteries, played a vital role in the development of literacy in Europe during the first millennium. Monks were responsible for hand-copying books, including religious texts and classical writings, preserving knowledge that would have otherwise been lost. These books, known as illuminated manuscripts, were beautifully illustrated and became important centers of learning. Monastic communities also served as refuges, training centers for priests, and nodes in communication networks.