House in Rosheim, France 1154

This house in Rosheim, France, a work of Romanesque architecture, stands as a testament to a period stretching roughly from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Considered a 'noble' house, its architecture encodes social status, speaking volumes about the identities of its inhabitants. Built in a time when feudalism shaped society, the house provided a physical manifestation of power and prestige. Its imposing stone structure suggests a need for defense, a reflection of the turbulent times and the ever-present threat of conflict. The height of the building, unusual for its time, lifts its residents above the common populace, while the external staircase hints at a separation from the world. These were spaces for elites, but the angel positioned above the entry hints at the importance of religion.