Religion:
- Central to Medieval Society: Religion was deeply ingrained in every aspect of medieval life. It dictated social structure, morals, laws, art, literature, and even scientific thought.
- Divine Right of Kings: The concept of the "divine right of kings" gave monarchs religious authority, leading to absolute power in some cases.
- Religious wars: Numerous conflicts, like the Crusades, were religiously motivated and shaped political and social dynamics.
- Church Influence: The Church played a significant role in education, healthcare, and social welfare, making it a dominant force in society.
- Religious institutions owned land, amassed wealth, and wielded considerable political influence.
Government:
- Local and Regional powers: Governments tended to be decentralized with power resting with local lords, feudal systems, and city-states.
- Political instability: Frequent power struggles, civil wars, and changing dynasties prevented the emergence of strong central governments.
- Administrative limitations: Medieval governments often lacked sophisticated bureaucracies and faced challenges in enforcing laws and maintaining order.
While government certainly played a role in regulating and controlling society, religion provided a universal framework that permeated all aspects of medieval life, making its influence far more pervasive and deeply ingrained.