The term Middle Ages describes the period between Late Imperial Rome (330 CE) and rebirth of classicism during Renaissance (1400 CE)
Ecclesiastical buildings: churches and mosques dominate the Middle Ages. With the exception of Gothic period, ecclesiastical architectural developments in Eastern and Western Europe look to antiquity in varying degrees:
1) Early Christian (3rd-7th century CE) churches adapted from Roman basilicas
2) Byzantine Empire (330-1453 CE) develops Roman centrally planned structures and construction techniques into a distinctive ecclesiastical architecture.
3) Romanesque style (8th century- 1150 CE) fashions Roman elements such as rounded arch and construction techniques such as vaulting.
4) Gothic style (1150-1550 CE) strives for lightness and verticality does not rely on antiquity, it does however built on Romanesque innovations.
5) In the Middle East and Spain, Islam (7-17th century) develops mosque which is common in the form throughout empire.
Little domestic architecture from Middle Ages survives.
Significant developments include castles and Islamic palaces
Toward the end of the period unfortified structures become more common.
Except for Islamic and some Gothic examples exteriors and interiors of dwellings do not adopt characteristics of prevailing ecclesiastical styles.
Most noble interiors rely mainly on textiles for warmth, cloth and pattern.
Furnishings are few, portability is important.
