The Americas

To me, the most interesting location from this era would have to be Machu Picchu. My Mom and Aunt visited this site a few years ago, looking at their pictures and hearing their stories was incredible. The climb to the top was a very narrow pathway, with MANY MANY stairs. There were such incredible views and architecture.



The stone cutting amazes me here! The steps and features are all so well-planned out,  would love to be able to travel back in time to see how they were able to do such architecture. Some of these stones weigh more than 20 tons. In order to cut and stack these stones so precisely they much have had some sort of sophisticated technology!


Extra Credit: This clip gives a nice in-site into Macchu Picchu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IUj2BIiUQw 

Today's applications:

You can see the stacking of stones in this fireplace wall, also used at Macchu Picchu. 

Modern forms of utilitarian pottery, also seen with Teotihuacan.

Romanesque

My favorite design aspect from the Romanesque era would have to be the castle-like homes that the wealthy lived in.The same features that are seen in large churches are seen in some of these houses.



 Extra Credit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bYua4BFfiA
This video gives a wonderful tour of both the inside and outside detailing. 

During this time period the use of chests were very important. Many families would have noting but a chest that they carried around with them which held their most important belongings. These chests varied by style. Some even had feet to raise the chest off the ground. This would aid in protecting the chest away from the cold and wet floors. To this day we use chests. I know many families, mine being one of them, who have a chest to contain all of there family heirlooms. When I was a kid I would refer to this as the treasure chest and love to be able to put my most valued school projects in here to save.

Early Christian

One of the most important parts of the Early Christian era was the socializing of baths. There were many different steps to this process, and it was a highly treasured time. Bathing was not only for keeping clean, this was also a social event. Many rituals were performing during the bathing process.


Extra Credit: This book takes an in depth look into the process of this social bathing.  http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/classical-studies/classical-art-and-architecture/bathing-roman-world 

A very important site from Early Christian time is the Catacombs of San Callisto. This started as a private underground burial site for Christians, and grew into much more. There were various expansions for the Catacombs of San Callisto, adding in socializing areas and sleeping areas as well. There is much still unknown about this site.


Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yheeDzwQrOU this video gives a lot of good background information on the Catacombs

The architecture, as well as motifs, from this this is often still seen today especially in our churches.