The most significant contributions to the development of theater came from the Middle Ages. The revival of theater began in this period within the Church as a way to integrate the mass with religiously based performances. As plays developed and became increasingly complex, theater became increasingly secular, which allowed for the expansion of subject matter outside the religious realm. Medieval theatre, despite being a setback compared to the great dramas of the Greek and Roman periods, made important contributions such as the use of the vernacular and the development of more detailed and symbolic costumes. The Church in the medieval age helped establish the return of dramas as they incorporated elements as a supplement to the Mass. These plays were based on religious ideals and their plot was usually always based on a biblical story, such as the Passion. The redevelopment of the theater in the Church was significant as it brought drama back into vogue, but it was only used as a springboard to revitalize and expand the theater during the Renaissance and Elizabethan ages. Theater saw increasing secularization in the second part of the Middle Ages as plays were performed outside the Church and dealt with less religious topics. The medieval age saw some of the most important periods in theater history as theater returned after the Dark Ages and began its great expansion across Europe. The medieval age also saw some of the greatest contributions to theatre. The greatest influence on later theater was the change in the language used in plays from Latin to the vernacular. This was crucial in the spread of theater as it allowed the lower classes to understand performances and contributed to the expansion of theater across Europe in the R...... middle of paper ...... the Renaissance and Elizabethan ages to build on it. The medieval age saw the return of theater to the Church but it would become increasingly secularized as theater expanded and matured. However the Church was instrumental in bringing about the return of drama into the medieval age, which is what this time period is most remembered for. The change of the language from Latin to the vernacular and the development of costumes and props were important contributions that also aided the expansion of the theater. No prop, language or costume has had a greater impact on the theater than one person, William Shakespeare. He is the most influential figure in the entire history of theater and will always be remembered for his fantastic works. Theater has been influenced by countless elements and playwrights who have all contributed to the modern theater that exists today.