Gothic Art mid 12th c. - 1400 CE 1150 onwards, in the mid 12th century the Gothic style dominated Europe for approx. 400 years, developing in French monasteries initially. Specifically emerges in Ile-de-France, the French king’s domain from Paris. Within 100 years an estimated 2,700 Gothic churches in the Ile-de-France region alone. (263) The term “Gothic” was introduced by historian Vasari in the 14th c. CE — who attributed the ‘old’ fashioned style to the Germanic Goths who invaded and ‘destroyed’ the Classical civilization of the Roman Empire. However, during the period, the style was known simply as “modern art” or the “French style.” 12th and 13th c. the style was celebrated in centers of growth and prosperity. Towns grew into artistic and intellectual life. Moving from cathedral schools as centers of learning, urban universities grew. Bologna, Paris and Oxford. Advances in building technology, increased trade and material resources com