The basilica II


The ruins of Basilica II were excavated on the town’s north-eastern edge, a short distance to the northeast of Basilica I. It is a three nave basilica with a narthex and an almost semicircular conch to the east. The interior of the church was decorated with marble revetments; the floor of the nave was laid with marble, while that in the side aisles and narthex was decorated with mosaics. The basilica also had a four-sided atrium to the west, with three rectangular chambers intended for religious use incorporated in the north side. Construction work on the church dates to the second quarter of the sixth century, while the rooms to the north of the church were built shortly after, in the third quarter.



Glossary (6)

basilica: type of large church, divided internally into three or more naves. The central nave was usually covered by a raised roof with windows that illuminated the space.
narthex: oblong reception area extending along the western side of a basilica. Originally the east portico of the atrium, it was later incorporated into the church, and served as a waiting area for catechumens, who were not allowed to attend the Divine Liturgy.
conch (Sanctuary niche): Niche in the eastern end of a basilica. Semicircular on the inside, with a horseshoe shaped, rectangular or polygonal exterior.
marble revetment: facings of colored marble slabs that covered walls from the floor to the starting point of arches.
mosaic: patterns or images composed of small, colored tesserae. Mosaic decoration can be applied to all the surfaces of a building: floor, walls or ceiling.
atrium: quadrangular forecourt of basilicas, surrounded by porticos. Porticos had functional purposes: they served as a waiting place before entering the church for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and provided shelter for the congregation. Generally, the atrium isolated the church from the surrounding space. It contained fountains for the symbolic cleansing of the hands and feet and for performing the service of Sanctification.


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Bibliography (1)

1. Ζήκος Ν., Αμφίπολις. Παλαιοχριστιανική και βυζαντινή Αμφίπολις, Athens, 1989


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