The middle class was small but controlled the flow of gold, and the kings formed alliances with them. Nevertheless, there was a major cultural gap between the business orientation of the middle class and the nobles’ roles of warrior, landowner, and bishop. The king gained support from bishops and abbots with his patronage for cathedrals, schools, and crusades. | The middle class was small but controlled the flow of gold, and the kings formed alliances with them. Nevertheless, there was a major cultural gap between the business orientation of the middle class and the nobles’ roles of warrior, landowner, and bishop. The king gained support from bishops and abbots with his patronage for cathedrals, schools, and crusades. |