en Fic foracthic ful a society's rulers become, the mare splendid, vast and awe-inspiring is the monumental architecture that expresses this power, whether tombs, temples, palaces or churches, As the Roman Catholic Church gained control of Europe in the Middle Ages, its power was exercised through a new architecture which exalted its triumph the Gothic. The more pov ‘The Pope in Rome was now like an emperor, more powerful han any king or prince. The Holy Roman Empire had taken ‘over the Imperial Roman network, and its buildings. ‘The French monarchy had become rich and influential and was the Pope's main ally, Gothic developed in a small area around Paris - the Ile de France, which was the Capetian kings’ main* domain ~ during the 11th and 22th centuries. As the kings! power grew they needed an educated administration, and since education was monopolised by the Church, bishops became powerful at court. They bullt large new churches-cum-2 palaces, Gothic cathedrals, on sites donated by the king, who also sold land ta influential townsmen in return for support in the face of threats from the aristo! Gothic symbolised a new synthesis of humanity, God and nature. Previously God had been thought of as an Unknown and terrible force. Romanesque (see R is for Rome) churches reflected this in thelr darkness and mystery, Decoration was often grotesque and surreal, depicting strange serpents or devils. Representations of saints and people showed them with identical ane anonymous features, But now Church scholars in the new cathedral- based universities believed that God revealed Himself in His creations, in people and nature, The Church building became an image of nature, imitating plant. forms with ribs, stems or fronds, ‘and seeming to grow out of the earth like lines of trees with interlocking foliage. Statues were recognisable portraits of individuals,The Gothic system of construction ‘Ssploited three elements: the POINTED ABCH (A), the FLYING BUTTRESS ©) and the RIBBED VAULT (C). ‘Gece chisels superseded hammers, ‘Siane technology was continually ‘Fped and developed by trial and error ‘Bee an architecture of tension, rhythm 254 equilibrium, where columns and “Secery became as slender as plants and Bs delicate as lace. ethe Gothic church, the heavy walls |B the old Romanesque style disappear. ‘Tre roof and vault are now carried via ‘Eeidge-like supports (the flying ‘Bettresses) to huge free-standing “Seporting walls at right angles ‘eetside, allowing large window [Spenings in the ovtside walls proper ). This neatly mirrors the medieval Secial structure of the monarch -Ssoported by the clergy and buttressed BB the merchant class,“The whole of the Gothic cathedral was & teaching and propaganda tool: an image of heaven on earth, a heavenly city, both inside and out. ‘The west entrance front depicted the agate into heaven, often incorporating Sculptures of the Last Judgement, Christ ‘nd the Apostles, tne good souls and the Gamned. The sides were equally covered in sculptures representing the temporal ‘world, often with portraits of local dignitaries or the stone masons themselves. Like classical temples, the exterior and interior were painted in multi-colours. “The Gothic style was adapted to local climates and conditions. in the north rainwater was throvm off steep roofs by gargoyles, spouts carved Into grotesque beasts