It was used at first, tentatively as it were, in combination with the horizontal beam or slab of stone, but in the end became in its rounded form the distinctive peculiarity of the romanesque and in its pointed shape of the Gothic style.
"Architecture"
Nancy R E Meugens Bell
In Syria, as well as in Egypt, are many very interesting early Christian churches, including the vast complex 5th century building at Kalat-Seman dedicated to S. Simeon Stylites, which has four basilicas, each with an apse, grouped about a central octagon; the 6th century church at Sergiopolis; and the smaller contemporaneous ones at Qalb Lorzeh and Roueiha; all of which, though they resemble in general plan the basilicas of Rome, have certain details that appear to shadow forth the characteristics of the romanesque style, notably in the first the cruciform bays dividing the nave from the aisles, in the second, the use of the lobed arch, and in it and the Roueiha building the grouping of the clerestory windows.
"Architecture"
Nancy R E Meugens Bell
Moreover in late romanesque work the pointed arch is now and then introduced shadowing forth the approaching change.
"Architecture"
Nancy R E Meugens Bell