Importance Of Medieval Architecture

How did medieval architecture change and develop from 800 to 1300 in Europe?

Introduction

Architecture made a great deal of changes and developments during the Middle Ages. This involved the types of architecture, the styles and the people who influenced or improved the constructions. It also affected and influenced medieval society and the modern world too.

Early forms of medieval architecture

The earlier designs of medieval architecture had features like pointed arches in the nave, window and doorways, small clusters of columns, pillars, small windows and thick walls. This was during the Romanesque period and a lot of the early Romanesque architecture had influence from the byzantine period, which was the previous time period of architecture.

The windows were of stained glass showing bible stories and saints lives in them, And the design structure enabled cathedrals to rise higher than ever. It even became a contest for architects – who could build a cathedral as tall as possible. A cross shape was used for windows allowing crossbowmen to shoot attackers from the inside, and a cross plan was also used for the shape of a cathedral as seen from a bird’s eye view.

One main influence on medieval architecture was byzantine architecture. The byzantine castle architecture was a big influence for the crusaders who created similar castles like the great Krak des Chevaliers.

Another huge influence was Charlemagne, King of the Franks. He was strong in Christianity and ordered for more churches and gothic cathedrals to be built.

What were some major changes in the style of medieval

The first castles built (Motte and Bailey) were made of wood and quick to build, but they were burnt and worn down easily, so the next castles were made of stone. (Square keeps) They were tall, strong, large and lasted long, but attackers would surround the castle and wait for ages for the people inside to come out. The third castles (Shell Keeps) were even stronger, but because they were made of heavy stone, they might collapse. So finally, the fourth castles (concentric) were built and they were the strongest, largest most defensive and most expensive castles built.

What was the effect of medieval architecture on society?

Architecture strongly affected religion. People were building many gothic and Christian churches/cathedrals because they wanted more people to become Christian and for everyone to follow one religion. As a result of so many Christian churches around, more citizens and people form other countries in Europe converted to Christianity because they were becoming more aware of the religion and feared execution if they didn’t convert.

Military architecture like castles and forts were built for mainly defence. They helped defend the region by having a place to watch over the land to see if any tribes or Vikings were invading. This protected the land and therefore the people were more prepared for