Knives and Sleeping Monks: Benedict’s Rule and Self-Defence in Sixth Century Italy

According to Benedict’s Rule, a few monks used to sleep while wearing knives, a dangerous habit which the Saint condemns. Sixth century sources, both Latin and Greek, mention knives quite often, which are called either cultelli or machairai and are mostly considered as weapons. Since there was widespread public insecurity in the Italian countryside during Benedict’s times because of bandits and marauding soldiers, it is likely that many farmers were used to carrying a knife with them even in bed. Quite a few monks had difficulties in letting go of this precaution after entering Montecassino.