CHAPTER XXVII

GENERAL CONDITION OF EUROPE FROM THE VIII. TO THE XVI. CENTURY

Effects of Barbarian Supremacy on the Nations of Europe--Rise of the Papal Power--Character of the Popes--Their Vices and Crimes--The Interdict--Corrupt Practices of Prelates and Degradation of the Papacy--Institution of the Monastic Orders--Their Great Influence--Their Final Degeneracy--Wealth of the Religious Houses--The Byzantine System--Its Characteristics--Power of the Eunuchs--Splendor of Constantinople--Destruction of Learning--Debased Condition of the Greeks--The People of Western Europe--Tyranny of Caste and its Effects--Feudal Oppression--Life of the Noble--His Amusements--The Serf and his Degradation--His Hopeless Existence--Treatment of the Jews--Prevalence of Epidemics--Religious Festivals--General Ignorance--Scarcity and Value of Books--Persecution of Learning--The Empire of the Church--Its Extraordinary Vitality 324