Irish monasticism developed many peculiarities. This was possibly because of the way the Church had absorbed, rather than replaced, the faith system of the Celts. The use of the symbol of the sun in the celtic cross is a clear example. However possibly their most unique contribution was the introduction of regular confession to the chuch. Previous to this someone could only confess once in their life. During the Dark Ages Europe had been ravaged by the Barbarians. The Roman Empire had utterly collapsed in 476 leaving a certain power vacuum. The Pope in Rome had to some extent filled this however he realised he could not defeat the barbarians and made a treaty with the advancing forces. In contrast to this carnage Clonmacnoise was in it's Golden Age. It was a centre of learning and culture. Because of this contrast in situations it was the Irish who revitalised much of the mainland European church at this time. With them they brought the practice of daily confession.