Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (14.2002(2003))

OLD DONGOLA

SUDAN

found in quantity in the rubble. In the apse
two layers of plastering were noted. As for
architectural decoration, the pieces discov-
ered in the rubble included a particularly
noteworthy relief carving of a rosette and
a cross on a keystone {Fig. 8), a slab from
the altar screen, several sandstone voussoirs
from the presumed monumental northern
church entrance. Pottery recovered from
the rubble fill dates from the 7th to the
13th-l4th centuries. Other finds included
window grilles, as well as a ring and lamp
hook found in the niche in the apse wall,
a metal key from the smaller basin in the
north pastophorium, a small bell from the
presbytery, a sickle from the vestibule.

To sum up, the church was obviously
three-aisled, the inside measurements
being 25 by 12 m. It must have been
erected in the 7th century at the latest and
remained in use until the 13th century for
sure. Three phases of rebuilding have been
recorded. During the last phase, in the
11th century, the interior underwent some
alterations and murals were introduced in
the vestibule. Of the two recorded floors,
the earlier one was connected with the
building of the apse, while the second
ceramic tile paving dates most certainly
from before the 11th-century rebuilding.
Further excavations should verify these
conclusions.


Fig. 8. Stone block with carved cross
(Photo S. Jakobielski)

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