Medieval Information

In the early XII century France, a new architectonical style emerged. At first, it was simply called "The French Style", but the name was later adjusted to "Gothic" because of its simplicity which resembled the older barbarian tribes including the Goths.

The gothic style has many characteristics, but by far the most important ones are its illumination and simplicity. During the crusades, many French architects were influenced by the buildings in the Arab world which can be noted in the pointed archs, vaults and buttresses. Another major characteristic of the gothic style is the sculptures which were now free standing and not incorporated within a column.

The windows were enormous and not as decorated in the early gothic style; however, after many years architects began decorating the support for the stained windows which along the pointed arch, are the main points of reference denoting the gothic style.