Medieval builders at work from Rudolf von Ems Chronicle of the World (Weltchronik), 1385. In the Middle Ages of Europe fortifications, castles and cathedrals were the greatest construction projects. Fine stone masonry was used only for public works, royal
Medieval builders at work from Rudolf von Ems Chronicle of the World (Weltchronik), 1385. In the Middle Ages of Europe fortifications, castles and cathedrals were the greatest construction projects. Fine stone masonry was used only for public works, royal buildings and ecclesiastical buildings of royal importance. The chief obstacles to construction of these buildings were the costs of material supplies and journeyman tradesmen, and the expertise of engineering required. Master craftsmen transferred their knowledge through apprenticeships and from father to son. Trade secrets were closely guarded, as they were the source of a craftsman's livelihood. The scale of fortifications and castle building in the Middle Ages was remarkable, but the outstanding buildings of the period were the Gothic cathedrals with thin masonry vaults and walls of glass. Many royal landowners bankrupted themselves trying to pay for the cost of colossal stone buildings, and the pride of cities depended upon their ability to finish a cathedral once begun.
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Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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