Medieval Europe

Pope Gregory I (590-604)

Gregory was the son of a wealthy noble Roman family, who entered on a political career and became the prefect of the city of Rome. In 574 he entered a monastery. By 579 he was serving in diplomatic missions to Constantinople. He was elected pope in 590.

Rome in 590 was a city that was falling apart. The civil administration was collapsing and people were starving. Lombards threatened the city and there was no one to organize its defense. Criminals went free because the courts were in chaos. Buildings were collapsing and no one was repairing them.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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