Montecassino

   The chief monastery of the Benedictine Order, located about halfway between Rome and Naples (qq.v.). It was founded by St. Benedict of Nursia, the father of western monasticism (q.v.), in 529. The monastery had close ties with Byzantium (q.v.), both with certain emperors (q.v.) who supported it with gifts, and with Byzantine officialdom in Italy (q.v.). Close ties were also maintained with major eastern monastic centers like Mount Athos (q.v.). Neilos of Rossano (q.v.) lived near the monastery for about 15 years, and from 1036-1038 a Greek monk named Basil was abbot of Montecassino. The monastery's basilican (q.v.) church was decorated with the finest Byzantine liturgical furniture and other objects, including two bronze doors.