Properties of Cathedrals

Cathedrals have a few different requirements to be considered a cathedral.  All of them have a rose window, flying buttresses, gargoyles, a relic, pointed arches, columns and be in the shape of a cross.  The rose window is in the very front of the cathedral above the entrance.  Flying buttresses support the weight of the roof, and contained a column extending outward from the cathedral.  Gargoyles provide an escape for water, so the weight of the roof does not increase too much.  They were named for the noise they made when water flows out.  All cathedrals contain a holy relic, with this being the focal point of many cathedrals.  They have pointed arches and spires that make up the ceiling.  Columns supported roofs while providing more decoration.  Roman columns were much thicker than their Gothic counterpart.  Finally, cathedrals must take the shape of a cross from an aerial view.  The entrance is the top of the cross, while moving through the cathedral is like moving down the cross.

Roman Entertainment and Architecture

The audience participated in the action during chariot races instead of the mere spectators of the Native Americans and Ancient Greeks.  The entertainment also shifted to killing.  While still celebrating, a different form of entertainment was present.  In the Colosseum, spectators even had an impact on the performance, deciding whether some people lived or died.  Gladiators showcased newer military inventions than those of past performances.  Animals and technologies such as trap doors were used in the performances.  Seating was separated by class instead of the unorganized crowds of Native Americans and random seating of the Ancient Greeks.

The Romans introduced structures such as arches and domes that allowed for buildings to be larger and more appealing.  Cathedrals came from this.  Sounds changed from the excitement of crowds watching killing to focusing on peace and religion.  The focus shifts to religion rather than slaughter.