Pentagons in Medieval Sources and Architecture

Abstract

A range of entirely different pentagon approximations are known from textual and graphic sources related to the architecture of the Middle Ages. Analysis of the mathematical logic behind them highlights the scientific knowledge of master masons who directly calculated constructional methods according to their practical needs. From the examination of these pentagon approximations, their mathematical features, such as the initial data of the construction or precision of side lengths and angles, the range of architectural design problems they would have been able to solve can be determined. This paper provides an accurate comparison of mathematical and geometrical features of pentagon constructions from medieval sources, studying their applicability from an architectural aspect.