St. Benedict of Nursia founded the order that became known as the Benedictines.
Yes, Saint Benedict was a monk. He is known for establishing the Benedictine Order and writing the Rule of Saint Benedict, which became a guide for monastic living in the Western Christian tradition.
The Benedictines founded by St. Benedict of Nursia
No. The mendicants are sustained by the community where the benedictines are self sustaining
Athanasius Allanson has written: 'Biography of the English Benedictines' -- subject(s): Benedictines, Biography
Emmanuella Moretti has written: 'L' oblato benedettino' -- subject(s): Benedictines, Benedictines. Oblates
Bruno Hicks has written: 'The Benedictines' -- subject(s): Benedictines, History, Monasticism and religious orders
The Franciscans, Dominicans, and Benedictines are examples of religious orders that were not founded in the 19th century. These orders have long histories, with roots going back to the Middle Ages and even earlier in some cases.
Benedict himself founded a monastery at Monte Cassino in Italy. The Benedictine order encouraged its members to live as simple a life as possible with simple food, basic accommodation and as few possessions as was practical.
The Catholic Church is massive, it spreads over the globe and back through history to the time of Christ. It is His Mystical Body. The Church, as such, does not found universities. Most universities have been founded by Religious Orders (like the Benedictines or Jesuits), some of been founded by dioceses (perhaps the University of Paris) or groups of dioceses along with Religious (Mount Saint Mary in Maryland).
Paulus Volk has written: 'Die generalkapitel der Bursfelder Benediktiner-knogregation' -- subject(s): Benedictines, Benedictines. Bursfelder Kongregation, Bursfelde, Ger. (Benedictine abbey)
The Benedictines are otherwise known as the "Olivetans".