ecd-4 - Cluny III & Medieval Monasticism

What role did Abbotts and monasteries play in medieval politics, economics and culture?

Monasteries were founded by kings for not only religious reasons but also for political and social reasons.
Abbots of monasteries often had political and jurisdictional functions over their areas
Monks were highly esteemed; kings could increase their own influence by "sponsoring" them
Monasteries also housed noble children who were sent there for shelter and acquiring prestige
They led in agricultural processes, such as introducing the three-field system and refined methods of fruit-growing
They also improved business affairs, such as St. Gallen who created standardized business treaties in 888.

Of the Cluniacs, many Abbots weilded political power, such as Saints Odo, Mayeul, Odilo, Hugh, and most notably Peter the Venerable