Question

Construction that is extremely heavy, uses rounded arches, and requires massive supports is called ______.

1) Gothic architecture
2) Baroque architecture
3) Romanesque architecture
4) Renaissance architecture

Answer 1

Construction that is heavy, utilizes rounded arches, and requires huge supports is known as Romanesque architecture. This style, prevalent from the 8th to the 11th century, necessitated thick walls and small openings. It is distinguished from the Gothic architecture that followed with its pointed arches, larger windows, and lighter structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Construction that is extremely heavy, uses rounded arches, and requires massive supports is called Romanesque architecture. Romanesque architecture is recognized for its massive solidity, with thick walls and rounded arches. This style was popular from the 8th to the 11th century and represents a time when structures reached a point where they struggled to support their own weight. To address this, features such as the flying buttress were developed, although even with such support, Romanesque walls were still very thick and allowed for only small openings.

The Gothic architecture style, which features pointed arches and ribbed vaults, and the flying buttress, was subsequently developed and allowed buildings to reach great heights with larger windows and more light - a stark contrast to the Romanesque style. Nevertheless, it is the Romanesque architecture that is characterized by the heavy construction and rounded arches described in the question.