The periods of Romanesque and Gothic architecture both occurred in the Middle Ages, with the Gothic period taking place during the latter half. Gothic and Romanesque architecture were related in many ways, but they also contrasted in style. Over time, masons began to test the waters and push the boundaries. They thought of new ways to add lighting and give the building more height without it being too heavy and weak. Many of the reasons for the change in style had a lot to do with society and the changes it was facing. There was a greater intensity in piety and literature. The Gothic style embodies this new urban society. Romanesque and Gothic shared similar characteristics, but Gothic architecture diverged further from its previous predecessor. The Romanesque architectural style, which appeared between the end of the 11th century and the middle of the 12th century, literally means “Roman type” architecture. The Romans, inspired by the Etruscans, used barrel and ribbed vaults. Romanesque architects later adapted the use of rounded arches, giving the style its name. The Romanesque style, inspired by Roman architecture, takes up the plan of the basilica style. Romanesque cathedrals were not originally designed for aesthetic purposes. The Romanesque style replaced flat wooden ceilings with stone vaults. This was one of the first styles to use primarily stone, but the walls of Romanesque cathedrals were built very thickly. They almost looked like a fortress. Romanesque cathedrals had few windows due to their thick walls and the churches were therefore very dark. In a way, this echoed the life that took place outside the walls of these sanctuaries in the Middle Ages. Some Romanesque features of the architecture were...... middle of paper ...... the use of colored stained glass and flying buttresses. The Gothic style was something impressive. Masons defied gravity to create works of art that literally reached the heavens. Works Cited Camille, Michael. Gothic art: glorious visions. Upper Saddle River (NJ): Prentice Hall, 1996. Print. Camille, Michael. Gothic art: glorious visions. Upper Saddle River (NJ): Prentice Hall, 1996. 12. Print. Frankl, Paul and Paul Crossley. Gothic architecture. New Haven: Yale UP, 2000. Print. Mike. “The Evolution of Gothic Architecture.” Thomas Aquinas Multimedia. Aquinas Multimedia, May 12, 2008. Web. April 10, 2014..Wilson, Christopher. “13th century Gothic”. The Gothic cathedral: the architecture of the great church 1130-1530. Ed. reprinted. London: Thames & Hudson, 2008. 91-120. Print.