Is the gothic age the same as the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

The terms "Goth" and "Gothic" are two of the most misused and misunderstood words in the English language which have been applied and misapplied to many different meanings over a very long period of time.

Originally the Goths were a Germanic people in two main divisions, eastern and western, known as Ostrogoths and Visigoths. Early in the Christian era these tribes overran much of the Roman Empire. As a result, the term Goth came to mean any uncivilised, destructive barbarian and "Gothic" was the adjective relating to this noun. The Gothic Age can therefore refer to the period of the destruction of much of the ancient Roman Empire at the end of the Ancient period of European history (not the medieval era).

The term Gothic has also been applied to a style of architecture that was developed during the medieval period, from the late 12th century onwards - this has nothing at all to do with the Goths. It was characterised by the tall, pointed arch with a joint instead of a keystone at its apex, with very slender piers and buttresses and pointed vaulting. This style replaced the earlier Norman arch and vault, which had Roman-style round arches with keystones included and a general absence of buttresses.

In modern times "Goth" is a name applied to a particular style of fashion, make-up and hair; again this has no connection at all with the Gothic Germanic tribes.