They were the most expensive and beautiful buildings built. Cathedrals were where bishops had their headquarters.Ĭathedrals were built to inspire awe. The biggest of these churches were called cathedrals. Many churches were built during the Middle Ages.
Even bishops held a lot of power on the local level and often served on the council of the king. Right below the pope were powerful men called cardinals. The leader of the Catholic Church was the pope.
Many nobles became leaders such as abbots or bishops in the church. Leaders of the church became rich and powerful. Because the church was considered independent, they did not have to pay the king any tax for their land. The wealthy often gave the church land.Įventually, the church owned about one third of the land in Western Europe. They also paid the church for various sacraments such as baptism, marriage, and communion. People gave the church 1/10th of their earnings in tithes. The Catholic Church became very rich and powerful during the Middle Ages.
0 kommentar(er)
