Skip to main content

Primary sourceBookc. 540

Regula sancti Benedicti

Benedict of Nursia · c. 540

The original Latin text of the Rule of St Benedict, the monastic guidebook Benedict wrote for his monks around 540.

Benedict's own foundational text, written in his own words for the monks in his care.

Ask Saint Benedict about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Full text (Wikisource)

About this source

What it is

This is the Latin text of the Rule of St Benedict, written by Benedict of Nursia around 540. It sets out how monks should live, pray and work together in community.

Why it matters

The Rule became the foundation of monastic life across Western Europe, followed by countless monasteries for centuries after Benedict's death. Reading his own words shows the practical, orderly mind behind the man later honoured as the founder of Western monasticism.

Look closer

  • What tone does Benedict use when addressing his reader at the start of the Rule?
  • Why might writing in Latin have helped the Rule spread across different regions of Europe?
  • What kind of life does the opening passage suggest Benedict expected of his monks?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Benedict on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Saint Benedict sources

Meet the AI Saint Benedict →
Open pages of a medieval Latin manuscript on aged parchment, with handwritten black text in columns, red initials and rubrics, and a large decorated illuminated initial on the left page. The text appears to be a copy of a monastic rule.Book

Primary source

Rule of Saint Benedict

Benedict of Nursia · c. 600

A large monastery complex with a central dome and bell tower sits on top of a wooded hill under a clear blue sky. Dense green trees cover the hillside below the long pale building.Artifact

Secondary source

Monte Cassino

founded c. 529/530

Detail of a faded fresco showing a hooded, bald monk in a cream-colored robe seated at a white-draped table, holding a small cup. To the left, a woman in a blue blouse and orange skirt pours from a jug. Behind the table, a young man in green holds a tray, and another figure stands in a dark red robe. At the right edge, an older seated man in a light robe is partly visible.Painting

Secondary source

Fresco Cycle of the Life of St Benedict at Monte Oliveto Maggiore

Luca Signorelli and Sodoma · 1497-1505 (fresco cycle); abbey founded 1313

A dim, orange-lit chamber shows a large metal reliquary chest with three decorative hinged straps and studded ornamental fittings, set on a stone plinth. A brass plaque reads 'RELIQUES DE SAINT BENOIT 480-547'.Artifact

Secondary source

Reliquary of Saint Benedict at Fleury

A large, wrinkled parchment spread out on a dark background, with faded reddish and brown ink lines forming architectural plans of buildings, rooms, and circular features. Some handwritten text is visible at the lower left edge.Artifact

Secondary source

Plan of Saint Gall

c. 820-830

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Saint Benedict now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions