Education in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages in Europe, education for children was largely influenced by social status, the dominant role of the Church, gender disparities, and the disruptive impact that the constant threat of war and invasion posed.
Education was primarily accessible to the privileged elite, such as nobility and wealthy landowners. The majority of the European population, who were overwhelmingly peasants and serfs, had limited access to formal education.
The Catholic Church played a significant role in education during this period. Most schools were "ecclesiastical," meaning they were related to the Catholic Church.
Monastic and cathedral schools were established by the Church to train future clergy and monks. Education centered around religious studies, reading and writing Latin, and studying scripture. The Church viewed education as a means to maintain its authority and perpetuate its teachings.
These schools became great sources for retaining and spreading knowledge. Ancient and recent writings were copied by hand and stored in their libraries.
In school, students learned to read, write, and speak Latin fluently, as it was essential for understanding religious texts and participating in religious ceremonies. Religious education encompassed the memorization and interpretation of Bible passages, the lives of saints, and theological concepts. Students were taught moral and ethical values based on Christian teachings. They learned about the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and the principles of Christian living.
Apart from religious instruction, students might receive basic training in arithmetic, writing, and grammar. Arithmetic was primarily taught for practical purposes such as basic calculations related to trade and commerce. Writing skills were important for correspondence, record-keeping, and producing religious texts. Grammar instruction focused on the proper use of Latin, as it was the language of scholarly discourse.
There were no public schools and literacy rates among peasants was very low. Those who had the privilege of getting an education usually either learned at home with a tutor if they were not sent to an ecclesiastical school.
Eventually, universities began to separate themselves from church control. University of Bologna in the Kingdom of Italy dates to about 1180. The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge both began soon after in England and the University of Salamanca was founded in Spain in 1218.
Whether it was an ecclesiastical school or private university, generally only the wealthy had access to education, and then usually only for boys. Girls were largely excluded from academic pursuits. However, girls from noble families might receive education in subjects like music, dance, and etiquette, preparing them for marriage and social responsibilities.
The impact of wars and invasions hindered educational opportunities. Frequent conflicts disrupted societal structures, leading to the destruction of schools and the displacement of teachers and students. The chaos and instability of war meant that education took a backseat to survival and immediate needs.
Overall, education during the Middle Ages was limited, with the majority of children lacking access to formal schooling. The focus was on religious instruction and the perpetuation of social hierarchies. The few who received education belonged to the upper echelons of society, ensuring the preservation of power and influence. It was a time when education was deeply intertwined with social status and religious doctrine, with limited opportunities for the masses to gain knowledge and learning.