How to recognise Gothic works

Between the 12th and 15th centuries, the social world view was determined by Christianity and the burgeoning growth of cities, which gave the people of this era a new self-confidence and new opportunities for development. This era is known as the Gothic period, although the origin of the name is unclear. It is assumed that the followers of the subsequent Renaissance style used the word "Gothic" as a synonym for "barbaric", as they were modelled on Roman antiquity.