Cistercian reforms

The Cistercian reforms were a movement within the medieval monastic community, initiated in the 11th century. Founded by Saint Robert of Molesme, the Cistercian order aimed to return to a stricter interpretation of the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing simplicity, manual labor, and self-sufficiency. They sought to reduce the luxuries and complexities of monastic life, focusing instead on prayer, contemplation, and a connection to nature. The movement spread rapidly, leading to the establishment of many monasteries across Europe, which played significant roles in agriculture, architecture, and education during the medieval period.