Interior, Durham Cathedral, England 1100

Here we see the interior of Durham Cathedral, an architectural feat by Romanesque builders in England, dating back to between 1000 and 1250. The immense scale and stone construction speaks to the power of the church during the medieval period, a monument to both God and the men who built it. Consider the social dynamics at play during its construction. Built by skilled, yet often nameless, laborers, their work reflects the era's strict social hierarchy. The cathedral served not only as a religious space but also as a display of authority and wealth, reinforcing the dominant social order. The architecture itself – the soaring arches, the massive columns – evokes a sense of awe, designed to impress upon the visitor the might of both the Church and the divine. Does this interior inspire or intimidate? Think about how structures like this helped shape the collective identity and spiritual life of the communities they served, and the immense impact they continue to have today.