Final answer:
Monasteries contributed to the early spread of Christianity in Medieval Europe by commissioning religious art, providing religious instruction, and translating and preserving classical knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three actions by monasteries that contributed to the early spread of Christianity in Medieval Europe were:
- Commissioning painters to create religious art: Monasteries played a key role in promoting Christianity through the commissioning of religious art. This art helped to visually depict important Christian stories and teachings, making them more accessible and understandable to the general population.
- Providing religious instruction to local communities: Monasteries acted as centers of learning, providing religious instruction to the local communities. They taught people about Christian beliefs, rituals, and practices, helping to spread Christianity among the masses.
- Translating and preserving classical knowledge: Monasteries played a vital role in preserving classical knowledge through the hand-copying of books. They not only preserved Christian theological texts but also translated and copied classical Greek and Roman writings. This helped to preserve and spread classical knowledge throughout Medieval Europe.