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