Module 7 Overview

Assignments:

1. Class Discussion on the Evolution of Church architecture in the Middle Ages.

2. Written Assignment

In the middle ages, roads built by the Romans to spread their empire, later became the method to spread Christianity.

Along these pilgrimage routes, the faithful traveled to holy sites. Towns, and churches were built to support the thousands of those individuals. They needed food, lodging,entertainment; and places to pray.

Beginning with early Christian art, and ending in the Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, we can see changes in the type of architecture that is central to Christianity. The arts, and crafts that supported this architecture, is central to our understanding of the art history of the time.

Many of Europe’s medieval cathedrals are museums in their own right, housing fantastic examples of craftsmanship and works of art. Additionally, the buildings themselves are impressive. Although architectural styles varied from place to place, building to building, there are some basic features that were fairly universal in monumental churches built in the Middle Ages, and the prototype for that type of building was the Roman basilica.