In the Theocracy, religious leaders or priests stand as rulers as well as spiritual advisors. One early Theocracy rose after the fall of Rome. Amidst the chaos of Roman disintegration, social institutions like education fell under the aegis of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic monasteries became the bureaucratic backbone of Europe, delivering mail and tallying trade and taxes. The invading barbarians, lacking governmental skills, turned to the church to form monarchies, and in return, these kings gave the growing Theocracies power within the kingdom's borders. Only the complete shakeup of the entire society by the rise of the bourgeoisie broke the power of this great Theocracy. In more recent times, many Islamic countries have become virtual Theocracies - being led by strong religious leaders who invoke religion to maintain their code of laws.