Metrología y praxis constructiva en la arquitectura altomedieval hispana (siglos VIII–X)

Abstract

This work is concerned with the pre-metric systems (pre-metric understood as used before the modern establishment of the metric system) applied by builders, architects and stonemasons of the Early Medieval period in the Iberian Peninsula (8th – 10th centuries). The article aims to deepen our knowledge of the construction of a group of Early Medieval churches. It attempts to determine their significance and put them into relation with each other, including the ones located in Asturias, as well as evaluating their typology. It also refers to several studies, made in the last few years, that have contributed greatly to the information about these pre-metric systems of measurement used in the Early Middle Ages within the Iberian Peninsula. A substantial part of the article is dedicated to the study of the stonecutting work in the palatium of building known today as Santa María de Naranco (9th century) as an example of the level of maturity reached in the stereotomy of these buildings, as well as of the sophisticated use of various pre-metric systems in its construction.