The ambos of the Christian basilicas within the province of Scythia Cover Image

The ambos of the Christian basilicas within the province of Scythia
The ambos of the Christian basilicas within the province of Scythia

Author(s): Ioan Iațcu
Subject(s): History, Archaeology, Ancient World
Published by: Editura Universităţii »Alexandru Ioan Cuza« din Iaşi
Keywords: ambo;Scythia;Christian basilicas;Justinian;marble;Constantinople;

Summary/Abstract: Considered an element of Oriental tradition, the ambo is a rare presence within the liturgical furniture in the Christian basilicas of this province situated between the Danube and the Black Sea. The archaeological discoveries have underlined the presence of this essential element within the Christian service, mostly in the centres situated along the western Black Sea coast, both Romanian and Bulgarian (Histria, Tomis, Bizone, Topola). Hence, traces of certain ambos in the paving of some Christian basilicas (Histria, Zaldapa) have been discovered, as well as a series of elements from balustrades, made of Proconnesus marble and decorated with Christian symbols (Tomis). This study underlines the presence of the axial, Constantinopolitan ambo, diffused mainly in the 6th century AD.

  • Issue Year: 19/2013
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 49-78
  • Page Count: 30
  • Language: English
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