28.03.2006
Cemeterial Basilica in Polistilo

Georgios Tsigaras Source: C.E.T.I./R.C. Athena © Region of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace

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LOCATION:It is situated near the west gate of the classical fortification and on the north of the byzantine settlement,in the ancient cemetery.

THE MONUMENT:The monument is dated between the end of the paleochristian era and the 9th century. It is a basilica which is divided with colonnades into three aisles (14,50 *9,90 m.) with a narthex and a bema which subulates to a semicircular concha.Sculptured limestones from former buildings were used to build this monument.

The monument is separated into four structure phases, a fact wich indicates the long-standing use.The external walls and the pessary appertain the first phase,during the second one the temple is probably transformed into a unified room and during the third phase a small chapel is built in the tepmle.Finally, during the fourth one a small temple was founded on the North-east corner of the original basilica.
Around the monument there used to be a cemetery as there were boxy tombs dug up in the region.Many burial gifts have been found ,like glass bracelets, cupreous crosses and earings dated in the 11th and 12th century.