ROMANESQUE

The period simply derives its name from the similarity to Roman time in architecture, primary in churches and will be carried further to the Gothic style. The term Romanesque means "in the manner of the Romans "The term applied to time in France and Italy around 800 and continue to involve in the 12 century. All phases of design in the Middle Ages until Gothic shared the same determination in search for better representation of the religion. Romanesque design however, was different from the design what proceeded it and from the one what would follow. The Catholic Church established his power, exerts spiritual, political and economic influence and become central of life. Romanesque flourish in western France and in northern Italy and then was carried to England where was called Norman design. After when Norman had taken over Sicily from Arabs the Sicily become famous for Norman design. Some design have similarity with Arabs influences.In Italy was plenty of stones and Romanesque churches were constructed in some parts from ruins of Roma building .In France there was less material and stone had to be transported from different parts. Is interesting who was building the churches-most contribution was coming from devout believers- Christian did not have slaves as Egyptians, and did not have military labour as Roman did.Church was promising religion salvation thru the church and security and peace .Rulers were carried cross as well as sword. Churches become not only place of worship but also serve as schools ,libraries town halls and were centers of social life. The monks become architects and untrained as designers were used usually models what were at hand, express their own vision of Roman architecture and adapted to their Christian requirements and needs. Pilgrimage were passing from kingdom to kingdom. In elven century Christian began a series of Crusades to recover The Holly Land of Jerusalem from Islam. The very important part for the history was a fact of the millennium in 1000. Superstitious people were certain that world will end. When the year come and passed safely was a joy and optimism about the future what rise a new wave of religion believes. People donated more energy to build Christianity and new churches. "It was as if the world had shaken itself,and casting off its old garments ,had dressed itself again in every part in white robes of churches" Even though construction as mentioned before were limited by the material and craftsmanships building were massive ,strong simple and highly express vigor for Christianity.