Christianity was established in Rouen around 260 by Saint Mellonius. First basilica with three naves was built in 395. Viking raids damaged the cathedral complex from 841. Rollo became first Duke of Normandy and was baptized there in 915
Wood carving is one of humanity's oldest arts, with Middle Paleolithic spears. Indigenous peoples carved everyday objects like fishhooks and pipe stems. Wood texture helps create facial features, especially in ancient work. Color was used for protection and detail in ancient woodcarvings
Trefoil is a graphic form of three overlapping rings used in architecture. Gothic architecture featured three-lobed leaf motifs in window tracery. Simple trefoil shape can symbolize the Trinity. Combined with triangle, trefoil symbolized Christian Trinity in Middle Ages
Pointed arches originated in Bronze Age Nippur (2700 BC). First appeared in eastern Christian, Byzantine and Sasanian architecture. Clearest pre-Islamic examples are Chytroi-Constantia Aqueduct in Cyprus (7th century)
Architectural styles define notable features of buildings through form, construction, materials, and regional character. Styles evolve over time reflecting changing fashions, beliefs, and technologies. Styles often spread through colonization and local adaptations. Revivals occur after styles go out of fashion, like classicism becoming neoclassicism
Gothic architecture emerged in northern France from 12th to 16th centuries. Style was initially called "opus Francigenum" or "German style". Saint-Denis (1135-1144) was first fully Gothic building combining rib vaulting and pointed arches