The monastic culture of early medieval Europe led to the widespread production of religious manuscripts and literacy within monastic communities.

The considerable amount of time and energy monks spent reading scripture led to the need to duplicate religious texts.

Monks were expected to be able to read and write, so they could copy religious writings in manuscript form.

Medieval monasteries boasted prodigious libraries and writing rooms where monks spent countless hours producing decorative manuscripts for posterity.

Monastic communities and monasteries frequently acted as educational centers, infirmaries, and lodges for medieval travelers.

Early medieval monks also greatly contributed to the agricultural and economic development