The term 'Middle Ages' was invented by people during the Renaissance, a period of cultural and literary change in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. Most intellectual development took place inside of the church. This is only natural, as the church was the repository for most learning. Although nearly all of the nobility had an education, those who were educated, usually were tutored by clergy. The church became the universal and unifying institution. Under the …showed first 75 words of 530 total…

…showed last 75 words of 530 total…of the students who attended these schools went on to careers in the church. The importance of Christianity in the 'Middle Ages' has been increasingly recognized as scholars based newly published source materials, literature, the teachings of the church, mathematics and theology. Education was based on Christianity and morality. Most intellectual development took place inside of the church and as a result, the church became the universal and the shining light in the dark ages.