ON THE DATE OF THE KATHOLIKON OF DAPHNI MONASTERY.A NEW APPROACH BASED ON ITS ORIENTATION

Authors

  • GEORGE PANTAZIS National Technical University of Athens, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Department of Topography, Athens, Greece
  • MARIA PAPATHANASSIOU National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Mathematics, Department of Algebra and Geometry, Athens,Greece

Keywords:

Geometric Documentation, Astronomical Observations, Azimuth, Perceptible Horizon, Diurmal Path of the Sun

Abstract

The exact date of the foundation of the Katholikon of Daphni monastery is unknown. Based on the stylistic data of its mosaic decoration the archaeologists suggest that its mosaics date to the end of the eleventh century, which is either a terminus ante quem for the construction of the Katholikon or the mosaic decoration is contemporary to this construction.

In this paper we attempt to determine the foundation date of the Katholikon of Daphni, on the base of its astronomical orientation and by applyng the general astrogeodetic method elaborated by one of us (G.Pantazis) in this case. As results from our investigation, the Katholikon,which is sacred to the Vrgin Mary, was very likely founded on the day of the celebration of the Dormition of the Viginin 1153, i.e.in August 15,1153 (±8years). If it is so,both the church and its famous mosaic decoration date circa half a century later than it is generally accepted by the archaeologists.

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Published

2023-07-21

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2005)

Section

Articles