Into the vault of the saints: the exterior crypts of Saint-Denis in Paris and Saint-Germain in Auxerre
Matthew Ryan Reed
Historians have held the Carolingian rule of Western Europe as a brief strike light against dark backdrop Medieval period. In this period two structures emerged for first time in church architecture: westwork and exterior crypt. These did not follow models found Early Christian they accommodated functions specific to developments needs that context Empire. Although both hold many opportunities scholarship, crypt offers significant insights into at heart liturgy, society, architectural design. Two these crypts—those abbeys Saint-Denis Paris Saint-Germain Auxerre—provide framework examination other crypts during This thesis will explore forms references express.