DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4608#0057
stand in water 9 inches deep, while the baptiser could
stand dryshod in the centre, which was apparently raised
for that purpose. A water-pipe and the remains of a
reservoir were found near the font. There is no hole in
the centre of the basin, as there must have been had it
been a fountain. A basin similar to this has been de-
scribed as having been formerly in use in or near the
Temple of Artemis, and this may be the one now found
in the Forum.
Baptismal Font in Forum.
If I am correct in my conjecture as to the use of this
basin, not only is no support given to the assertion that
the early Christians always baptized by total immersion,
but the hypothesis seems to fall to the ground. Probably
the mode of administering this sacrament may have
varied to suit different circumstances.
When I first began my excavations I used to wander
about the plain seeking for mounds or other indication of
stand dryshod in the centre, which was apparently raised
for that purpose. A water-pipe and the remains of a
reservoir were found near the font. There is no hole in
the centre of the basin, as there must have been had it
been a fountain. A basin similar to this has been de-
scribed as having been formerly in use in or near the
Temple of Artemis, and this may be the one now found
in the Forum.
Baptismal Font in Forum.
If I am correct in my conjecture as to the use of this
basin, not only is no support given to the assertion that
the early Christians always baptized by total immersion,
but the hypothesis seems to fall to the ground. Probably
the mode of administering this sacrament may have
varied to suit different circumstances.
When I first began my excavations I used to wander
about the plain seeking for mounds or other indication of