The+Three+Orders

Monks in the 11th century wrote about how their society was divided into three orders. Closest to God were those who dedicated their lives to prayer, particularly monks, who were the servants of God and invested with God-given power on earth. Those who fought came under those who prayed: they were kings, knights, feudal lords and other noblemen. Finally, tied to the earth or engaging in trade were those who worked (peasants, merchants, artisans and artists)
 * The Three Orders **

“In this world there are three kinds of men, laboratores, oratores, bellatores. The laboratores are those who by their labor provide us with the means to live, the oratores, those who plead for us with God, the bellatores, those who protect our cities and defend our land against invading armies. The peasant must work to feed us, the soldier must do battle with our enemies, and the servant of God must pray for us and do spiritual battle with the invisible enemies.”
 * Source A:** Extract from //Lives of the Saints//, written by Aelfric, master of the novices at Cerne Abbey in Dorset, 11th century AD. He was a Benedictine monk who was an important figure in the Benedictine revival that promoted religion, education, learning, and art. He was a prolific writer of religious and didactic works. []


 * Source B:** A painting on the organisation of the medieval society. Bibliothèque nationale de France



1) What does Source A tell you about the social hierarchy in the Middle Ages? [5] 2) What can you learn from Source B about the medieval society? Explain giving detailed information provided by the source. [5] 3) Do these two sources reflect the importance of the Church in the Middle Ages? Why? [7] 4) Taking into account the sources, how important were art and Church sermons to keep control on the society? [7]

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