Monks during the Middle Ages lived in monastic communities called monasteries. Monasteries were typically located in rural areas and consisted of several buildings, including a church, a dormitory, a refectory (dining hall), and a cloister (a covered walkway). Monks lived a communal life, following a strict daily schedule of prayer, work, and study. They were expected to be self-sufficient and produce their food, clothing, and other necessities. Monasteries played an important role in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge during the Middle Ages, as they often had libraries and scriptoria (writing rooms) where monks copied and illuminated manuscripts.