Romanesque: "In the Manner of the Romans"
Millennium of the Apocalypse:
"For nearly 1000 years after Christs death, very few structures were built because of the promise of Christs return." This is absolutely my favorite fact in this section. I feel that it really breathes life into the people of the time. Being able to relate with their thought process. It is very "human" to not waste time and energy. However, when Jesus did in fact not return as quickly as people had assumed, greater effort was put into erecting places of worship. In fact, after Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Roman Empire in A.D. 800, there was a BOOMING need for new religious structures. Charlemagne encouraged the pursuit of knowledge as well as the preservation of the arts. Thus, a boom in religious construction began. and with it, the Romanesque style.
Most of these new churches had some new "improvements".
- Larger, to hold more people
- Many large isles and windows to allow for greater illumination
- Addition of a choir
Truly grand examples of religious importance in this time period.
You will notice that the majority of what defines Romanesque Architecture lies within the tall, sturdy construction of the buildings; along with its round arches and tall towers.
Pulling much of its style from the Ancient Roman and Byzantine styles.
The Now
Much of modern day Romanesque style focuses on those same qualities. Emphasis on the use of round arches and large towers.
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