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De mångsidiga kyrkorna - en studie av oktagona kyrkor under medeltiden

Andersson, Erik LU (2009) ARKM02 20091
Department of Archaeology and Ancient History
Abstract
The focus of this thesis is the presence of octagonal churches during medieval time. It discusses the
meaning of the architectural outline of the building, the numerological symbolism behind the
number eight, and the reason why these churches were built and by whom. To further the study, two
Scandinavian churches have been used as examples: the church in Store Heddinge on Zealand,
Denmark and the Church of the Holy Spirit (Helgeands) in Visby on Gotland, Sweden. Both
buildings have octagonal architectural plans, but the people behind the building process are
unknown. The churches are dated to the first quarter of the 13th century. Store Heddinge church was
probably built by the Danish king or one of his relatives while the Church of... (More)
The focus of this thesis is the presence of octagonal churches during medieval time. It discusses the
meaning of the architectural outline of the building, the numerological symbolism behind the
number eight, and the reason why these churches were built and by whom. To further the study, two
Scandinavian churches have been used as examples: the church in Store Heddinge on Zealand,
Denmark and the Church of the Holy Spirit (Helgeands) in Visby on Gotland, Sweden. Both
buildings have octagonal architectural plans, but the people behind the building process are
unknown. The churches are dated to the first quarter of the 13th century. Store Heddinge church was
probably built by the Danish king or one of his relatives while the Church of the Holy Spirit
(Helgeands) might have been built by bishop Albert of Riga.
With the help of previous research the symbolism of the number eight is discussed and it is
concluded that the number symbolizes the baptism, death and resurrection in Christian tradition.
Furthermore, in the light of Krautheimers article, it is revealed that the architectural tradition of
polygonal baptisteries stems from the Roman thermae, and that they were common during early
Christian time. There was an increase of buildings of this architectural type after the first crusade
and it is discussed if there might be any connection between the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and
the Dome of the Rock and other octagonal medieval churches.
The result of the studies is that the churches were built as a part of an older Christian
architectural tradition that might have been influenced by Judaism and Islam. But they were also
important markers of secular power as well as significant symbols for the Christian faith. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Andersson, Erik LU
supervisor
organization
course
ARKM02 20091
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Historisk arkeologi, Byggnadsarkeologi, Medeltiden, Korståg, Danmark, Sakral arkitektur
language
Swedish
id
1363848
date added to LUP
2009-04-08 14:37:32
date last changed
2009-04-08 14:37:32
@misc{1363848,
  abstract     = {{The focus of this thesis is the presence of octagonal churches during medieval time. It discusses the
meaning of the architectural outline of the building, the numerological symbolism behind the
number eight, and the reason why these churches were built and by whom. To further the study, two
Scandinavian churches have been used as examples: the church in Store Heddinge on Zealand,
Denmark and the Church of the Holy Spirit (Helgeands) in Visby on Gotland, Sweden. Both
buildings have octagonal architectural plans, but the people behind the building process are
unknown. The churches are dated to the first quarter of the 13th century. Store Heddinge church was
probably built by the Danish king or one of his relatives while the Church of the Holy Spirit
(Helgeands) might have been built by bishop Albert of Riga.
With the help of previous research the symbolism of the number eight is discussed and it is
concluded that the number symbolizes the baptism, death and resurrection in Christian tradition.
Furthermore, in the light of Krautheimers article, it is revealed that the architectural tradition of
polygonal baptisteries stems from the Roman thermae, and that they were common during early
Christian time. There was an increase of buildings of this architectural type after the first crusade
and it is discussed if there might be any connection between the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and
the Dome of the Rock and other octagonal medieval churches.
The result of the studies is that the churches were built as a part of an older Christian
architectural tradition that might have been influenced by Judaism and Islam. But they were also
important markers of secular power as well as significant symbols for the Christian faith.}},
  author       = {{Andersson, Erik}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{De mångsidiga kyrkorna - en studie av oktagona kyrkor under medeltiden}},
  year         = {{2009}},
}