What time frame signifies the Early Gothic period?

The Early Gothic period is generally recognized to have begun around 1140 CE, marked by significant architectural and artistic developments that arose in the wake of Romanesque styles. This period is characterized by innovations such as the pointed arch, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which allowed for taller and more light-filled structures, notably seen in cathedrals and churches.

The choice of 1140 CE aligns with the construction of notable structures like the Basilica of Saint-Denis, which is often cited as one of the first true examples of Gothic architecture. This period set the stage for the subsequent phases of Gothic art and architecture, which continued to evolve throughout the 12th and into the 13th centuries.

The other time frames provided do not represent the Early Gothic period. The ranges before 1140 CE, such as 500-726 CE and 726-843 CE, are typically associated with the early medieval period, often referred to as the Dark Ages or the Carolingian Renaissance, rather than Gothic art and architecture. Meanwhile, 1000 CE falls into the late Romanesque period, just before the onset of the Gothic style. Thus, 1140 CE distinctly marks the start of the Early Gothic phase