End of Roman Empire, Romanesque, and Gothic Periods

Historical Context: Transition from Roman Empire

• Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great): Reigned from May 2004, crucial for developing and unifying church liturgy across the Roman Empire's vast territory.

  • Supported the School of Cantorum, a school for singing.

• Charlemagne: Ruled a significant part of Europe, including Rome.

  • Crowned Holy Roman Emperor, which brought essential military forces to Rome.

  • Instrumental in influencing church architecture across Western Europe, desiring churches to incorporate Roman elements for symbolic connection to his rule.

• Split with the Byzantine Church/Greek Orthodox Church: A significant historical event that further defined the Western church.

Architectural Periods: Romanesque and Gothic

• Romanesque Period: Primarily 11^{th} and 12^{th} centuries.

  • Characterized by a