A set definition of a Medieval Cathedral is not clear, but the most concessive, yet explanatory definition I found was…

A cathedral is a massive church built by the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages that has a Bishop.

The difference between a cathedral and a The difference between a cathedral and a church is that a cathedral has a bishop while a church is that a cathedral has a bishop while a church does not. A church can gain a bishop church does not. A church can gain a bishop and become a cathedral, and a cathedral can and become a cathedral, and a cathedral can lose a bishop and become a church.lose a bishop and become a church.

Since most Christians were in Europe, Since most Christians were in Europe, most cathedrals are found in Europe. most cathedrals are found in Europe. They were built between 1000-1600 A.D. They were built between 1000-1600 A.D. Cathedrals can also be found in France, Cathedrals can also be found in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.Spain, Italy, and Germany.

It took a very long time to build a cathedral. The grandsons of the men who started the work on the cathedral would not even get to see it finished. (The men who worked on cathedrals were called masons.) It could take up to centuries to build. The hardships the people faced in the Middle Ages were so great that people find it amazing cathedrals were even able to be built.

There are two different architectural types of Cathedrals. The earliest Cathedrals were built with the Romanesque style. This style used rounded arches. A good example of Romanesque style, though not a Cathedral, is the Roman Coliseum.

The second type of architecture that was used in later in Cathedrals was the Gothic style. This style was the opposite of the Romanesque style; it used pointed arches. This style came around the beginning of 1100 A.D.

The windows are The windows are rounded which rounded which shows the shows the Romanesque Romanesque style.style.

The arches that The arches that come to a point come to a point in the main in the main doorways show doorways show the Gothic the Gothic style.style.

Interesting Facts:Interesting Facts:• Most Cathedrals were built in the

shape of a cross from an aerial view

• Cathedrals were a place for Christians to go and pray, talk to priests, take communion, and have weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

• In the Middle Ages, Cathedrals did not have chairs or benches; the people had to stand, walk, or kneel when inside.

• Cathedrals could also be used for things other than religious ceremonies such as big announcements and meetings from Bishops and Lords.

• The entrance of Cathedrals usually have three doors that represent the Trinity.

Copyright 1998-2007 Dr. Karen Carr, Associative Professor of History, Portland Copyright 1998-2007 Dr. Karen Carr, Associative Professor of History, Portland State University. State University. <http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/cathedral.htm> <http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/cathedral.htm> Trueman, Chris. “Medieval Cathedrals.” Trueman, Chris. “Medieval Cathedrals.” History Learning SiteHistory Learning Site. . <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medieval_cathedrals.htm>.<http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medieval_cathedrals.htm>. Deutsch, Kevin. "Cathedrals." Deutsch, Kevin. "Cathedrals." Mr. Deutsch's Virtual TextbookMr. Deutsch's Virtual Textbook. . <http://kevin.lps.org/Middle_ages/cathedrals/index.html>. <http://kevin.lps.org/Middle_ages/cathedrals/index.html>. Weinberg, Eric. Weinberg, Eric. Gothic Art: Architecture from the Medieval TimesGothic Art: Architecture from the Medieval Times. . September 2001. <http://www.geocities.com/devilyank8/index.html>.September 2001. <http://www.geocities.com/devilyank8/index.html>. Bellerby, Rachel. "Construction of Places of Worship in the Middle Ages." Bellerby, Rachel. "Construction of Places of Worship in the Middle Ages." Building a Building a Medieval CathedralMedieval Cathedral 17 February 2008 17 February 2008 <http://highmiddleages.suite101.com/article.cfm/building_a_medieval_cathedral>. <http://highmiddleages.suite101.com/article.cfm/building_a_medieval_cathedral>.