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Gothic Architecture

Author: Ian McConnell
Video Transcript
Attributions
Terms to Know
Choir 

Architecture, a part of the cruciform church east of the crossing.

Gothic

An architectural style originating in France during the 12th century. Traits of Gothic include the use of the pointed arch, flying buttress, rib vault, and a general emphasis on space and verticality.

Pointed arch

Also referred to as the ‘ogival arch’ a primary characteristic of Gothic architecture; also seen in Islamic architecture.

Pseudo-Dionysus

A Christian philosopher mystic and theologian during the late 5th century.

Rib vault

Architecture, a vault supported by or decorated with diagonal ribs.

Scholasticism

A form of theology and philosophy taught at universities during the Middle Ages based on Aristotelian logic.