Betekintés a középkori templomok keletelésének problémájába. 1. rész: gyökerek, teológiai háttér, kutatástörténet

Absztrakt

International anthropology and history are is beginning to rediscover the importance of examining ritual spaces of the past concerning the medium of natural light. Researchers are increasingly certain that the positioning of some sepulchers and buildings with sacred purposes was determined by the cardinal directions and the movement of major celestial bodies observed for decades. This study, consisting of two parts, gives insight into the problem of the orientation of medieval churches. The first part discusses the earliest known origins and initiation of cosmological orientation, starting from ancient buildings to remarkable examples of antique sacral architecture. It then explores the theological background of the eastward alignment of Christian churches, arising in the Early Christian Era. The study gives an introduction to the views of the early Christian authors grounded in the Gospel, on the sacred role of the East direction, and the Sun in relation to Jesus Christ. Subsequently it summarizes the history of church alignment on the basis of contemporary sources. It reveals how numerous ecclesiastical thinkers offered similar guidelines regarding the correct orientation of churches in the Middle Ages. Finally, the study gives an overview of the research history of the alignment of medieval sacred spaces from the beginning to the present day. Although there are sources about research conducted in the 17th century, systematic examinations and publications began in the 19th century.