1098–1153

The Founding of the Cistercian Order and the Work of Bernard of Clairvaux

In 1098 Robert of Molesme founded the monastery of Cîteaux. It gave rise to the Cistercian order ("white monks"). The order had a strict rule and an active economic life – sheep-farming, land clearance.

In 1112/1113 the 23-year-old Bernard joined with relatives and friends. He soon founded the community of Clairvaux, which became a center of reform. Under him more than 70 Cistercian monasteries were founded.

Bernard was the "Mellifluous Doctor", a mystic focused on Christ's humanity. In the 1130s he secured Pope Innocent II's victory over the antipope Anacletus. He also secured Abelard's condemnation at the Council of Sens (1140). In 1145 his own disciple was elected Pope Eugenius III. Bernard then preached across Europe for two years in support of the Second Crusade (1147–1148). It ended in defeat, a severe blow to him.

He left works on grace, love of God, and humility, and 86 sermons on the Song of Songs. He also developed the "two swords" theory of church and secular power.