Can someone help me explain this?

Question:Ok, now before I get a bunch of answerers scolding me for not doing my own homework, let me put out a disclaimer:
I am writing an essay. I am a big girl, and can do my own homework, I would just like a few pointers as to which direction to go with this, because it is shaping up to be a five to seven page essay.
Here is what I need help with:
Explain how architects in the classical period, Greek, Roman and Etruscan, developed building styles and techniques that helped to provide a basis for Early Christian and Byzantine buildings and building styles and techniques. For instance, the use of the arch and vault, or the use of the classical orders, might be cited as developments in classcial architecture.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Ok, now before I get a bunch of answerers scolding me for not doing my own homework, let me put out a disclaimer:
I am writing an essay. I am a big girl, and can do my own homework, I would just like a few pointers as to which direction to go with this, because it is shaping up to be a five to seven page essay.
Here is what I need help with:
Explain how architects in the classical period, Greek, Roman and Etruscan, developed building styles and techniques that helped to provide a basis for Early Christian and Byzantine buildings and building styles and techniques. For instance, the use of the arch and vault, or the use of the classical orders, might be cited as developments in classcial architecture.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

In the West of the old Empire, architecture mostly stopped developing over a five hundred year period. The Crusaders who returned from Byzantium brought back innovative ideas that gave rise to a resurgence in architecture.

In between was a Romanesque style (in the manner of the Romans), which was small, squat, heavily walled buildings. Some of the first Christian Churches were Roman buildings taken over and converted for religious use. The vault was a feature of great, continuing interest throughout because it was the most effective safeguard against roof fires.
http://www.elore.com/Gothic/Learning/rom...