In medieval times, religion was such a dominant aspect of faith that many of the ultimate explanations are to be found in its dynamics. With this in mind, let's survey the temper of religious life in medieval Christendom. Europe is a conglomeration of warring kingdoms, changing shape with personalities, dynastic succession is the norm. The Angles, Saxons, and Franks are still an aggressive lot with no semblance of a secular high culture. Local languages and related identities are slowly emerging.
Education is religious and monopolized by monasteries secular education is scarce.
Representative religious music includes the Gregorian chants. Literature espouses chivalrous values, fantastic tales of valor, honor and patriotism. In 1054 CE, the Roman and the Eastern Churches split on doctrinal and political grounds with reciprocal excommunications. Both now claim to be the sole true Church of Christ. The coronation of Charlemagne as the Holy Roman Emperor establishes a precedent whereby imperial authority depends on the sanction of the Pope.