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The evolution of the vault begins with the discovery of the arch, because the basic “barrel” form, which appeared first in ancient Egypt and the Near East, is simply a deep, or three-dimensional, arch. Since the barrel vault exerts thrust as the arch does, it must be buttressed along its entire length by heavy walls in which openings must be limited in size and number. This is a disadvantage, since it inhibits light and circulation. But Roman builders discovered that openings could be made by building two barrel vaults that intersected at right angles to form the groin vault, which ...(100 of 24717 words)