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Introduction The first to third century The harbours Late antiquity Christianity |
In the middle of the fourth century the seat of a bishop was established in the east part of the fortified area. It was investigated in the years 1976-1986 by Charles Bonnet. Some of the remains can today be seen below Saint Pierre Cathedral ("Site archéologique de la Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève").
Plan of the bishop's residence. Drack-Fellmann 1988, Abb. 378.
1: city wall; 2: northern church; 3: baptisterium; 4: courtyard; 5: southern church; 6: "reception hall"; 7: bishop's palace;
8: bishop's private chapel (?); 9: church from the sixth century; 10-11: western facade and choir of the church St. Pierre.A first, simple church, some 28 meters long, was built in the years 350-370. Nearby was a baptisterium. Around 400 AD a courtyard surrounded by a colonnade and a larger church were added to the south. A new baptisterium was built. In the middle of the fifth century the first church was enlarged (42 x 17 m.). The baptisterium was now rebuilt, provided with a baldachin (ciborium), and decorated with paintings, marble and a mosaic floor.
Reconstruction drawing of the third baptisterium. Drack-Fellmann 1988, Abb. 379.
In the later fifth century rooms were set against the south side of the southern church. One of these, measuring 9.5 x 5.5 m., has been interpreted as a reception hall. On the floor is a polychrome mosaic that consists of 45 squares with geometric motifs.
The mosaic in the "reception hall" of the seat of the bishop. Photo: Wikimedia, Benjamín Núñez González.
Drawing of the mosaic in the "reception hall" of the seat of the bishop. Drack-Fellmann 1988, Abb. 377.
Introduction
The first to third century
The harbours
Late antiquity
Christianity
[22-Nov-2023]
