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Medieval Europe
Medieval Europe
Medieval Europe refers to the historical period in Europe that followed the fall of
the Western Roman Empire and preceded the early modern period. Although often
caricatured as the period of general backwardness, medieval Europe laid the
foundation of the western civilization and its global domination.
Romanesque Architecture
The High Middle Ages was also marked by establishment of the first
universities in major cities that made literacy and education available to wider
population as well as a major progress in art, sculpture and architecture that
mostly remained in the domain of the Church. Large cathedrals were built all over
Europe, initially in Romanesque and later in Gothic style. Some of the finest
examples of Romanesque architecture include the Vezelay Abbey in Vezelay
(France), the Duomo di Pisa (Italy), Durham Cathedral (England) and Speyer
Cathedral (Germany).
Gothic Architecture
Gothic architecture that originates from 12th century France spread
throughout Europe by the end of the High Middle Ages. The most beautiful
examples include the Basilica of Saint Denis, Notre Dame de Paris and Rheims
Cathedral, while King’s College Chapel (Cambridge), Cologne Cathedral
(Germany), Burgos Cathedral (Spain) and Florence Cathedral are among the most
famous Gothic cathedrals outside France. The Orthodox Balkan states, Kievan Rus
and the Caucasus region were influenced by Byzantine architectural style despite
the decline of the Byzantine Empire during the High Middle Ages.