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Medieval architecture is a term used to represent various forms of architecture popular in the Middle Ages.
The Latin cross plan takes as its model the Roman Basilica. It consists of a nave and two sections half its size flanking it, and the altar stands at the far end (the short end or "head" of the cross). Also, cathedrals influenced or commissioned by Justinian employed the Byzantine style of domes and a Greek cross (resembling a plus sign), centering attention on the altar at the center of the church.
Main article: Romanesque architecture
Before about the 12th century, cathedral-builders used the Romanesque style. This style put a lot of stress on the walls, forcing them to become very thick and without windows. The name given to the era of these churches, the Dark Ages, seems apt. Rounded arches, a Roman invention in architecture, provided openings. Romanesque buildings had very little adornment.
Main article: Gothic architectureGothic architecture characterizes any of the styles of European architecture, particularly associated with cathedrals and other churches, in use throughout Europe during the high and late medieval period, from the 12th century onwards. It was succeeded by
In the 12th century Abbot SugerSuger (c. 1081 January 13, 1151), French ecclesiastic, statesman and historian, was born of poor parents either in Flanders, at St Denis near Paris or at Toury in Beauce. About 1091 he entered the abbey of St Denis. Until about 1104 he trained at the prio introduced the flying buttressFlying buttress in architecture, is the term given to a structural feature employed to transmit the thrust of a vault across an intervening space, such as an aisle, chapel or cloister, to a buttress built outside the latter. The employment of the flying b, which proved a great innovation in supporting buildings. Beams came out and down from the building, resting much of the weight on the ground outside. The walls could then become thinner and even have windows. The windows installed contained beautiful stained glassStrictly speaking, stained glass is glass that has been painted with silver stain and then fired. Depending on its thickness, this stains clear glass with a gold/yellow/brown color. This appears most typically in the golden haloes depicted in church windo, showing stories from the BibleThe Bible (From Greek βιβλια biblia meaning "books", which in turn is derived from βυβλος byblos meaning "papyrus", from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported papyrus) and from lives of saintIn general, the term saint is used to refer to someone thought to be especially virtuous and holy. This person may or may not be canonized, recognized or venerated by a religion. The word "saint" comes from the Latin word sanctus which means "holy. Various. The pointed arch provides another trademark of the Gothic style. Such new elements of design allowed cathedrals to rise taller than ever, and it became something of an inter-regional contest to built a church as high as possible.