<human>:  When did the Gothic style of architecture begin?
<bot>: The Gothic style of architecture began in the 12th century. The Gothic style was influenced by the Romanesque style, which had been popular since the 11th century. The Romanesque style was characterized by rounded arches and columns, while the Gothic style was characterized by pointed arches and columns. The pointed arches allowed for taller buildings to be built, and the pointed arch is still the most common type of arch in the world today.