Early Christian Basilicas in Philippopolis and Herakleia – Two Works from Unknown Metropolitan Mosaic Ateliers.

The present article discusses the similarities between the mosaic pavements of the episcopal basilica in Philippopolis and the basilica near the curtain walls in Herakleia (former Perinthos) from around 450-460 AD. Beyond a basic examination of the details, the whole concepts of both works also show similiarities, specifically the middle of the outer aisles and the design of the “entrance” panel which featured a specific image in a medallion. Three images are present, with the last two being interchangable: fons vitae, full peacock, and a chalice. The core of the new mosaics was produced by mosaicists who came from Constantinopolitan mosaic ateliers; they brought with them the trends in the development of mosaic decoration from Thrace by including figural motifs. It appears, however, that the concept of the new mosaic decoration is closely connected with the metropolitan liturgy, and therefore, this new mosaic decoration served the needs of the newly introduced within the diocese Thracia Constantinopolitan liturgy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]