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Because of the advanced use of pointed arches in construction, the walls of Medieval churches and synagogues throughout Europe were no longer used as primary supports—the walls did not hold up the building. This engineering advancement enabled artistic statements to be displayed in wall areas of glass.

In addition to religious figures, many Gothic cathedrals are heavily ornamented with strange, leering creatures. These gargoyles are not merely decorative. Originally, the sculptures were waterspouts to protect the foundation from rain. Since most people in Medieval days could not read, the carvings took on the important role of illustrating lessons from the from the scriptures.

In order to prevent the outward collapse of the arches, Gothic architects began using a revolutionary flying buttress system. Freestanding brick or stone supports were attached to the exterior walls by an arch or a half-arch.

ribbed vaulting used columns to support the weight. The ribs also delineated the vaults and gave a sense of unity to the structure.

ibbed vaulting used columns to support the weight. The ribs also delineated the vaults and gave a sense of unity to the structure.

The Gothic style brought innovative new construction techniques that allowed churches and other buildings to reach great heights.

The Gothic style brought innovative new construction techniques that allowed churches and other buildings to reach great heights.

builders discovered that pointed arches would give structures amazing strength and stability. They experimented with varying steepness, and "experience had shown them that pointed arches thrust out less than circular arches,