Justification about the existence and location of Chartres' cathedral labyrinth based on astronomy and geometry

Identifier:  imarina:5825443

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina5825443

Authors:  Herrera, Blas; Samper, Albert; Segui, Joan M.

Abstract:
We present a geometric-astronomical correlation between the rose window on the main façade and the labyrinth of Chartres cathedral. This correlation existed throughout the building’s construction—epoch J1200–. Since classical mythology relates the labyrinth to the Taurus constellation, we will project the daily orbits of the stars of this constellation through the center of the rose window, thus finding their paths on the cathedral’s floor plan. We will show that Elthor—“the bull” at the center of the constellation—was projected on the center of the labyrinth. We will consider possible mythological motivations to purposely create this alignment