1182- 1226 - Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian man who abandoned his wealth and worldly possessions to preach in poverty. Frances' charm attracted many followers who took vows of poverty. Pope Innocent III established the group as the order of Franciscan Friars.

monks, dynasty, people?

1100- The Cult of Mary developed in wake of the extreme interest in Jesus that developed in the Middle Ages. Mary, Jesus' human mother, was viewed as an important mediator with her son, and many people were fascinated with her experience and story as the mother of a principal prophet …

1098- 1179 - Hildegard of Bingen was an abbess of a convent at Disibodenberg in Germany. Hildegard wrote down mystical visions that she experienced in three books. Hildegard was an important composer and she contributed greatly in the area of Gregorian chanting.

1098- The Cistercian order of monks evolved because some monks became disenchanted by the lack of strict discipline in the Benedictine orders. Cistercian beliefs spread rapidly. Monks from this order were required to eat a simple diet, wear only a single robe, and eliminate any type of decoration or adornment …

910- The Cluniac Reform Movement began in Burgundy at the abbey of Cluny. In 910 , Duke William of Aquitaine founded an abbey on the principal that the high ideals of the Benedictine rule should be lauded and followed. The Cluniac abbots maintained strict adherence to the ideal of moderation practiced …

750- 1258 CE - The Abbasid's were a dynasty in Damascus established by Abu al-Abbas. The Abbasids improved relations among Arab and non-Arab Muslims. They allowed Muslims of any ethnic origin to hold civil and military office in government. The natural result was far greater ethnic diversity and even greater acceptance …