Cluniac order
The Cluniac Order was a monastic reform movement that began in the late 10th century in Cluny, France. Founded by William of Aquitaine, it emphasized strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict, focusing on prayer, community life, and liturgical worship. Cluniac monasteries became centers of spiritual and cultural life, promoting education and the arts.
The order spread rapidly across Europe, establishing hundreds of monasteries that operated under the authority of the Cluny abbey. This decentralized structure allowed for greater autonomy while maintaining a unified spiritual vision. The Cluniac Order played a significant role in the broader Gregorian Reform movement, which sought to address issues of clerical corruption and promote church reform.