57-71

Observations on the Basilica B of Philippi

Αρχαιολογία

• Ασημακόπουλος, Δημήτριος
• Βελένης, Γεώργιος Μ.

The architecture of Basilica B in Philippi presents numerous particularities, which have not been consistently studied and as a result our image about this exceptional monument remains abstractive.The restoration of coupled supports in axial disposition at the ends of the stylobates is enforced by parallels in Italy, Syria and Constantinople. A related question concerns an unusual feature of the imposts used at the colonnades, i.e. the presence of inherent corbels facing the aisles; differences on dimensions as well as technical features dictate the classification of these imposts into three groups, according to their position and function. Two members that lack corbels form a fourth group, however their place is to be quested.The foundations between the eastern piers must be dissociated from those at the opening of the apse and should be interpreted as stylobates for a composite triumphal arch, as we can presume by the presence of certain architectural members and by some characteristic treatments on the northeastern pier.The evidence about the superstructure is meager. The nave could have been covered with a dome, oval-shaped in plan or composed of two semi-domes, resting on an eight-sided base formed by the great arches and corner squinches. The transept was also covered by vaults, either a second dome flanked by transversal barrel-vaults or an intersection of vaults. The aisles must have been covered with intersecting barrel-vaults on the ground floor, while the galleries had probably wooden roofs.The architecture and sculpture of the monument are often related to the avant-garde of Constantinople in the middle or the third quarter of the sixth century, but there is no information about the donators. In addition to this, the monograms of the two column capitals with volutes have been destroyed. However, the preservation of the contouring floral décor proves that the erasure was executed on purpose, an act which can be explained as a damnatio memoriae. This practice could be attributed to ecclesiastical conflicts between orthodoxy and monophysitism, a great victim of which proved to be Pope Vigilius (537-555), condemned on 553 by the Fifth Oecumenical Synod. The interference of the pontifex in the building of a church of high intentions at a pilgrimage center of Eastern Illyricum, such as Philippi, should not create doubts, since the bishopric was still under the supervision of Rome. Moreover, the mixed type of the plan, which combines features of eastern and western traditions, can be understood through the spirit of ecclesiastical equation promoted by Justinian in his politic of concordance.

• History and Archaeology
• Arts

• Χριστιανικές αρχαιότητες
• Architecture, Ancient

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