Just an idle thought on a windy Spring afternoon...why did the French and the English and the Germans and others build such fantastic and horribly expensive churches in the Middle Ages? These buildings are complex from a civil engineering and architectural standpoint as well as gigantic works of sacred art. They are amazing to me today. But what prompted Christian authorities to express themselves in this unique manner? Thoughts?
Political jockeying for status? Local nobility sponsoring an arms race in church extravagance, in hopes of parlaying into greater family prestige, wealth, and connections. Rome determined a lot back then...
