The Symbolism of the Knotted Column in the Architecture of King Milutin

Heracle's knot, a symbol with roots in antiquity and flourishing during the Palaiologan period, was prominently used by King Milutin of Serbia (r. 1282–1321) to convey triumphant intentions and apotropaic symbolism in his architectural works. This study reveals that the motif appears on the bifora of St. George's church at Staro Nagoriĉino and the apse of Studenica Monastery's King's church, both dating to 1313, suggesting a deliberate visual response to King Milutin's prayer for posterity with Queen Simonis. The analysis examines the symbolism and historical context of this knot motif in late Byzantine sacred architecture, highlighting its dual significance as both an apotropaic emblem and a personal plea.

Ćirić-, J. (2020). The Symbolism of the Knotted Column in the Architecture of King Milutin. The Legends Avrupa Tarihi Çalışmaları Dergisi, 1(1), 81–100. https://doi.org/10.29228/legends.41923