Discover the mysteries of medieval monastic life
Learn what it took to be a monk in 9th-century Europe with this free guide to the founding, daily rhythms, and seasonal cycles of early medieval monasteries.
The Early Medieval
Monastic Almanac
A seasonal guide to monastic life in pre-schism Europe. Explore how monks lived, worked, and prayed—week by week. Whether you're a faithful convert, or simply want to learn how ancient monasteries worked, this is for you.
What you'll learn in the Almanac
1. How monasteries were founded
How early monastic communities were established, built, and made to sustain the inhabitants.
2. The purpose of the monastic life
The spiritual heart of monastic life; discipline, silence, service, and the search for God.
3. Daily rituals
and rhythms
What monks did each day, from Matins to Compline, and why it mattered.
4. Seasonal duties, week-by-week
Medieval wisdom for tending fields and feeding a community through the year.
5. Living in the
liturgical calendar
Key spiritual markers that shaped time, worship, and decision-making.
Crafted with meticulous research, drawing from the Rule of St. Benedict, St. Basil’s writings, and historical sources like the Plan of St. Gall.
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Why this exists
Our upcoming project
This Almanac was created while researching Monastery Garden—a cozy farming sim where you tend a monastery garden through the seasons—sowing, harvesting, preparing remedies, and feeding the community.But this isn’t game lore. It’s history. No fluff. Just the lived rhythms of monks who shaped humanity.
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The first demo of Monastery Garden is on its way. Sign up to be the first to play, and receive thoughtful dev updates and behind-the-scenes posts.
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