63-72

• Pantazis, George
• Παπαθανασίου, Μαρία

The exact date of the foundation of the Katholikon of Daphni monastery is unknown. Based onthe stylistic data of its mosaic decoration the archaeologists suggest that its mosaics date to the endof the eleventh century, which is either a terminus ante quem for the construction of the Katholikonor the mosaic decoration is contemporary to this construction.In this paper we attempt to determine the foundation date of the Katholikon of Daphni, on thebase of its astronomical orientation and by applying the general astrogeodetic method elaborated byone of us (G. Pantazis) in this case. As results from our investigation, the Katholikon, which issacred to the Virgin Mary, was very likely founded on the day of the celebration of the Dormitionof the Virgin in 1153, i.e. in August 15,1153 (±8years). If it is so, both the church and its famousmosaic decoration date circa half a century later than it is generally accepted by the archaeologists.

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία

Geometric documentation, Astronomical observations, Azimuth, Perceptible horizon, Diurnal path of the Sun