 They owned a very large part of the land of Paris, particularly on the Left Bank, and played a large part in its economic life; they produced food and wine and operated the largest commercial fairs.They also played a central role in cultural life by running all the schools and colleges and by producing works of art, especially illuminated manuscripts.During most of the Middle Ages, the Bishops of Paris and the Abbots of Saint-Denis were closely allied with the royal government.