Write how the Catholic Church was rich and where did it get such wealth.

The Catholic Church had everything a mortal could have. It was water, food, buildings, land, money, jewelry, knowledge. The church had enormous influence in Europe and the East, and a significant human resource. The sources of wealth were:

1. Tax in favor of the church – tithe.

2. Payment for performing church rituals and touching the holy relics.

3. Sale of church offices.

4. Sale of indulgences. For a reward, a person was forgiven of sins. Indulgence was a document with a papal seal. You could buy it and continue sinning.

5. Crusades. Example: as a result of the 4th Crusade, Christian Constantinople was sacked and some of the texts were taken out by Catholic ministers.