Byzantine Christianity in Sabratha
Early Christian Churches and Cemeteries in Roman North Africa
Sep 27, 2009
In the fifth century, Sabratha became part of the Byzantine Eastern Roman Empire. The already Christian city saw an increase in its public Christian monuments, many constructed from former pagan buildings or using reclaimed building material.
Four of the Christian churches in Sabratha have been excavated as have the Christian cemeteries established in the city during this period.
Basilica of Apuleius
Originally the city’s law court, the forum basilica was converted into a church in 440AD. Many amendments were made to the Roman building to adapt it to its new purpose. Most notable was the addition of a square baptistery to the north side of the basilica. This extension, built from parts of other monumental buildings about the forum was equipped with a small eastern apse and a font in the centre.
Basilica of Justinian
Situated to the north of the forum and built under the instructions of the byzantine emperor, Justinian this church was new church and built out of the remains of earlier buildings.
It consisted of three naves which were reached through three separate doors and was equipped with a raised presbytery, nave and a stone altar. The altar was originally a cornice from the forum’s capitolium.
The basilica’s most striking feature was its mosaic floor. This is still visible today, although it has been moved from the basilica to its own specially constructed museum on elsewhere on the site of Sabratha. The main central mosaic is displayed on the floor and is viewed from a wooden platform whilst the mosaics from the side isles are displayed on the wall on either side.
The mosaic is an allegory for the soul’s journey to heaven. It features an acanthus tree, populated by a vast variety of birds, which represent questing souls. The birds are eating the grapes of salvation from a vine that is intertwined with the tree.
Of the specific birds featured, the phoenix represents the resurrection of the spirit, the peacock the pinnacle of the soul’s evolution when it reaches heaven and a caged bird the soul imprisoned in the earthly body.
Other Early Christian Churches
The other two excavated churches of Sabratha are found along its main road. The largest of the churches already existed before the 5th century and was entered through an atrium constructed from a demolished bath house. It was adapted to fit Byzantine Christian style. Most notably its baptistery was changed from a southern to northern position and a marble altar added to the centre of the nave.
The second smaller church also has its altar situated in the centre of its nave. It was also constructed from reclaimed classical materials. Its cipollino marble columns were recycled from an arcade elsewhere in the city.
Christian Cemeteries
Two late Christian burial sites are known in Sabratha. The first is between the theatre and the temple of Isis. The site is identified as Christian from its one memorial inscription to a three year old girl called Irene whose parents were Christian.
The city also had Christian catacombs sited between the theatre and amphitheatre. Discovered when the modern sewage system was being built, several panels have been found with the Chi-Rho monogram of Christ and memorial stones for the deceased, including their names and ages.
Sources
Sabratha: A Guide for Visitors by Philip Ward. Darf Publishers: London
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