Mosaics from the Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis

The largest basilical building in what is Bulgarian territory today is located in the centre of Late Antique Philippopolis, east of the central square. It has an interesting architectural solution and composition, as well as exceedingly rich interior decoration. All of the premises, including the porticoes, are covered with wonderful carpets of colourful mosaics. Two levels of mosaic floors, one above another, have been discovered. At this point only the upper one has been revealed. The mosaics are amazingly varied as regards figures, themes and ornamentation. The author has made a description of all of the decorative panels and their compositional schemes. There is a prevalence of geometrical motifs and panels with depictions of birds. The main characteristic feature of the decoration of the Episcopal basilica of Philippopolis is both the unity and variety of the designs. The motifs are strictly geometrical and frequently repeated. In this respect the author sees the strong influence of Syria and the Middle East, where the same decorative schemes were applied and the same aesthetic trends were followed. At least two teams of artists took part in the making of the mosaic decoration, but there is no difference in the technology of their work. The mosaics from the Episcopal basilica, along with the mosaics from other public and private residential buildings in the city dating to the 4th-6th centuries, are important evidence for the leading role of Philippopolis as a major centre of mosaic production in Thrace.