Elaiussa Sebaste – Report of 2005 Excavation Season

Opus tessellatum mosaic with marine motifs at the area of the agora. The pavement belongs to the phase prior to the agora and must have decorated the peristyle of a private building (1st c. B.C. – early 2nd c. A.D.) The existence of other private residences paved with mosaics of the same period under the cavea of the theater shows that this area was originally occupied by suburban residences. Mention of opus sectile floor decorating the Byzantine church in the agora. Mention of Byzantinian opus sectile pavement in one of the three chambers revealed behind the western perimetral wall of the agora. These chambers which originally belonged to the agora, were later modified and reemployed in connection with the basilica’s construction. Cleaning and re-examination at the area of the temple. Segments of mosaic floor revealed in the apse of the Byzantine church which was built into the southeastern end of the temple. This polychrome figured mosaic, depicting a paradeisos scene, was already documented by Gough. Presently, only around 10% of the original surface is preserved. Restoration of the opus sectile floors in the baptistery as well as the mosaics in the agora and at the area of temple.