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An Early Christian Mosaic Floor in the Castle of Nestorion in the Region of Kastoria

Articles

• Κακαβάς, Γιώργος
• ΚΑΚΑΒΑΣ, Γιώργος

A portion of a mosaic floor was discovered by chance atthe site of Kastro to the east of Ano Nestorion in the regionof Kastoria. The area was excavated in the fall of 1995 inorder to determine the extent, position and significance ofthe surviving floor as well as to investigate the possible existence and use of other buildings in the vicinity. The following initial conclusions were reached at the completion ofexcavations, and further analysis of these conclusions willprovide valuable information about the history and cultureof the region.1. This is the first time that a building decorated with a mosaic floor has been excavated in the region of Nestorion.2. Although a precise chronology for the mosaic floor or thebuilding which it decorated cannot be determined, both canbe placed somewhere roughly between the end of the 4thand the middle of the 5th centuries AD, a period of intenseconstruction and artistic activity in this region (ArgosOrestikon). This general chronology is supported by thelinearity of the mosaic's geometric designs and the absenceof perspective, characteristic features of early Christianmosaic floors.3. We cannot determine what the building was used for orwhether it was a secular or a sacred building, i.e., a place ofworship. Of course, the building's east-west orientation couldindicate that the building had a religious use.4. The name of the settlement to which the building with themosaic floor belonged remains unknown. This settlementmust have had direct access to the natural defensive position of the castle, commonly called Kailas, which provideddefense from any kind of hostile attack as well as protectionfrom the inundation of the Aliakmon River.

• Arts
• History and Archaeology

• Arts and religion
• Architecture

• http://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/deltion/article/view/4773
• http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/dchae.1191