DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18096#0084
the introduction of the cupola, which received its full develop-
ment under Justinian, two centuries later. And it so happens
that the Byzantine restorations at Theveste were commenced
the same year that Justinian laid the foundations of the great
Basilica of Sta. Sophia. At Theveste the Byzantine additions
are clearly distinguishable, the masonry being of a different
character and not even attached to the old work. The quatre-
foil chapel on the east side, with its adjoining chambers, and
approached from an aisle of the Roman basilica by a descent
of thirteen steps, was one of these additions. The eight internal
shafts of the chapel were of green marble, and the walls to a
considerable height were faced with marble. Large quantities
of gilt and coloured tesserae having been found on the site
favour the supposition that the vaulting, as well as the upper
parts of the walls, was decorated with mosaic. The entire
floor surface was of mosaic, large fragments still remaining in
one of the apses. In the centre of the floor appears to have
been a tomb, the enclosing walls being constructed with stones
of the Roman period. South of the chapel is a large burial-
chamber, in which several tombs were found, bearing inscriptions
of the sixth and seventh centuries.
Having restored the Basilica, Solomon surrounded it on three
sides with shops or small dwellings, portions of which are still
standing. He then enclosed the entire ranges of buildings with
a wall about 25 feet high, strengthened with numerous towers.
This wall of defence is irregularly built with blocks and slabs
of stone in great variety, and the presence of tombstones in the
construction seems to indicate that the edifices round the forum
had been recklessly destroyed and the materials used for building
purposes, The object of Solomon's fortification is not quite
clear. He had already enclosed a large portion of the city by a
high wall with ramparts, and in the centre had constructed a
citadel of great strength. Most of these are still in existence.
One may assume, therefore, that in time of siege this fortified
Basilica and its surrounding buildings would serve as an additional
refuge for the inhabitants of the adjacent settlements. Procopius,
in his work entitled ' War with the Vandals,' throws light upon
this subject. He tells us that ' inside the walls of Carthage is a
church, under the charge of men devoted to the service of God,
whom we call monks. Solomon, who had built this church a
ment under Justinian, two centuries later. And it so happens
that the Byzantine restorations at Theveste were commenced
the same year that Justinian laid the foundations of the great
Basilica of Sta. Sophia. At Theveste the Byzantine additions
are clearly distinguishable, the masonry being of a different
character and not even attached to the old work. The quatre-
foil chapel on the east side, with its adjoining chambers, and
approached from an aisle of the Roman basilica by a descent
of thirteen steps, was one of these additions. The eight internal
shafts of the chapel were of green marble, and the walls to a
considerable height were faced with marble. Large quantities
of gilt and coloured tesserae having been found on the site
favour the supposition that the vaulting, as well as the upper
parts of the walls, was decorated with mosaic. The entire
floor surface was of mosaic, large fragments still remaining in
one of the apses. In the centre of the floor appears to have
been a tomb, the enclosing walls being constructed with stones
of the Roman period. South of the chapel is a large burial-
chamber, in which several tombs were found, bearing inscriptions
of the sixth and seventh centuries.
Having restored the Basilica, Solomon surrounded it on three
sides with shops or small dwellings, portions of which are still
standing. He then enclosed the entire ranges of buildings with
a wall about 25 feet high, strengthened with numerous towers.
This wall of defence is irregularly built with blocks and slabs
of stone in great variety, and the presence of tombstones in the
construction seems to indicate that the edifices round the forum
had been recklessly destroyed and the materials used for building
purposes, The object of Solomon's fortification is not quite
clear. He had already enclosed a large portion of the city by a
high wall with ramparts, and in the centre had constructed a
citadel of great strength. Most of these are still in existence.
One may assume, therefore, that in time of siege this fortified
Basilica and its surrounding buildings would serve as an additional
refuge for the inhabitants of the adjacent settlements. Procopius,
in his work entitled ' War with the Vandals,' throws light upon
this subject. He tells us that ' inside the walls of Carthage is a
church, under the charge of men devoted to the service of God,
whom we call monks. Solomon, who had built this church a