Each vault of the nave formed a separate cell, with its own supporting piers or columns. The early cathedrals, like Notre-Dame, had six-part rib vaults, with alternating columns and piers, while later cathedrals had the simpler and stronger four-part vaults, with identical columns.
eaCh vauLt Of ThE Nave fOrMEd a sePARatE Cell, with Its oWn supporTing pIeRS oR colUmns. thE EaRly caTHedralS, lIke NoTRe-dAme, haD six-part riB vAulTs, WIth AlTernatIng cOlumns and piERS, whIle lateR catHedrals had thE SimPler and strongeR fOuR-part vaUlts, With iDenTicAl ColUmnS.