The
term Romanesque originally developed in the nineteenth century, when art
critics tried to classify architecture which incorporated Roman elements.
The problem with that simple definition was that the majority of Christian
buildings created since the fourth century had employed some Roman stylistic
elements. Romanesque has recently been re-defined as pertaining to the mid-eleventh
to mid-twelfth century, when Christianity experienced a resurgence of religious
enthusiasm and Europe experienced a relative period of peace. The increase
in trade, military strength and Church land-owning led to an increase in
building activity. The churches and cathedrals constructed were
larger than before, due to the increase in pilgrimages, and were more Roman-looking than Christian basilicas of the previous centuries.
The Roman features which distinguish Romanesque architecture are round arches, solid and heavy stonework, and vaults over the naves (centre aisle) replacing wooden roofs. The exteriors were decorated with sculpture and ornament. The Romanesque style spread from France, England and Germany to Northern Spain and Italy. Durham Cathedral, (1093–1130) in England, is a good example of the Romanesque style, as it incorporates detailed sculptural ornament and high-pointed vaulting with heavy stonework.
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