De mångsidiga kyrkorna - en studie av oktagona kyrkor under medeltiden

Sammanfattning: 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.