In medieval times, religion played the central role of government over a kingdom. The bishops were the king's advisors and the church was responsible for schooling, land grants and partitions, marriages, developing soldiers for the Crusades and healing the sick or infirm. They also judged crimes.
Classic Philosophy during those times were heavily suppressed - Augustine being a prolific bastion that lead to the Dark Ages. It did not re-emerge until the Renaissance began.
