Gothic Architecture and Medieval Europe: Key Features and History

Key Features of Gothic Architecture

A gable, also known as a coronation or pinion, is a canted triangular pediment formed by two straight lines and a sharp apex. It was commonly used in the first period of Gothic buildings.

The groin vault is a vault type characteristic of Gothic architecture. It is formed by the crossing, or intersection, of two pointed barrel vaults.

A flying buttress is an external structural element with a half-bow shape. It gathers the pressure at the springing of the vault and transmits it to a buttress, or bracket, attached to the wall of an aisle.

A buttress, also called a stapes, is a thickening of a wall, usually on the exterior, used to transmit lateral loads to the foundation.

A Gothic-style archway features two broad points, similar in concept but distinct in form.

Medieval Society and the 14th Century Crisis

The courts were the king's meetings with the three estates (nobility and clergy). Later, the presence of the bourgeoisie was accepted.

In the fourteenth century, Europe experienced an agrarian crisis due to a succession of bad harvests. Wheat production decreased significantly, and famine spread throughout the continent. There was also damage from wars between feudal lords. In 1347, the Black Death struck Europe, causing high mortality rates. After all this, the labor force began to leave the land.

Consequently, feudal lords increased taxes on their serfs and did not allow them to leave their land. The crisis also reached the cities, where craftsmen and merchants faced ruin. It spread across many European cities.

Medieval City Structure

All the houses were close together. The city center hosted joint activities: comedy, commerce, and handicrafts. It also housed the town hall and stately palaces. Outside the walls were neighborhoods and a monastery. Inside, at the back, were a cathedral, a church, an inn, and a hospital.

Agricultural Innovations and Population Growth

In the eleventh century, Western Europe saw new innovations in agriculture, including farming techniques and agricultural tools. Between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, there was an increase in productivity. This improvement in agriculture improved the nutrition of the population, increasing their resistance to disease. The population grew from 45 million in the twelfth century to 75 million in the fourteenth century.