The word “Romanesque” relates to the Romans, and is explained as having “descended from [the] Romans”. The suffix esque originates as a French term that refers to something that resembles something else.
Romanesque architecture shares some common features regardless of the regional differences, and is often described as “sturdy” and “solid” in structure.
The Romanesque style became a foundational precursor to other architectural styles. Not only did it borrow from Classical architecture, but it also crossed paths with Byzantine styles.