Final answer:
Round arches were used for Romanesque churches, characterized by heavy and solid structures. Pointed arches were used for Gothic churches, which allowed for taller buildings and larger windows.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical architectural styles of churches are differentiated by certain features, including the use of distinctive types of arches. Round arches were used for Romanesque churches; these arches are characterized by their heavy and semi-circular form, providing the massive and solid structure typical of the era. Pointed arches were used for Gothic churches, and this innovation allowed builders to construct taller buildings with larger windows, as the arches distributed weight more efficiently and provided better structural support.
Romanesque architecture was influenced by ancient Roman styles and was marked by thick walls and rounded arches. The sturdy piers and robust columns gave Romanesque churches a heavy, solid appearance. Gothic architecture, which followed the Romanesque period, embraced pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, facilitating the creation of soaring structures with impressive glass windows that allowed light to penetrate the interiors of these majestic buildings.