Secular Monophony

...flourished durning the early Middle Ages through the songs of the goliards, jongleurs, and minstrels.  Some of the most important of these songs were those of the goliards, who were wandering scholars.  The most noted collection of goliard poems is "Carmina Burana."

The jongleurs and minstrels were itinerant performers who entertained with song, dance, tricks, and juggling.  It is probable that the jongleurs and minstrels helped spread the folk-song tradition that ultimately made its way into art music.