Cluniac monasteries were religious communities founded in the late 10th century, centered around the Cluny Abbey in France. They followed a strict interpretation of the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing prayer, community life, and the arts. Cluniac monks sought to reform monastic life by promoting independence from local lords and focusing on spiritual devotion. These monasteries became influential throughout medieval Europe, establishing a network of affiliated houses. The Cluniac reform movement encouraged the construction of grand churches and the development of liturgical practices, significantly impacting the Roman Catholic Church and the broader cultural landscape of the time.