St Benedict of Nursia had founded his famous monastery at Monte Cassino in the 5th century, and from it, his ideas and his Rule would come to influence western European monasticism. However, many monasteries were established by teutonic feudal lords intending to retire there at the end of their lives. They tended to relax observance of the Rule according to convenience. Matins were scheduled so as not interrupt sleep. There were no fixed rules on fasting, and it was left to the individual. Many monasteries became like fiefdoms, passed on through the family. Viewed as simply part of the founder's possessions, they could be divided up in inheritance as well. Benedict's rule had provided that the Abbot should be chosen by the monks, but the feudal lord assumed that right. Monks regarded the abbot like a feudal chieftain, and upon his death felt free to leave.