Dion Macedonia
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Στο πλαίσιο ερευνητικού προγράμματος με σύντομο τίτλο «Surgical excavation», το Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης, σε συνεργασία με το Ίδρυμα Ορμύλια – Διαγνωστικό Κέντρο Έργων Τέχνης και τις εταιρείες Γεωανάλυση και Altec,... more
Στο πλαίσιο ερευνητικού προγράμματος με σύντομο τίτλο «Surgical excavation», το Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης, σε συνεργασία με το Ίδρυμα Ορμύλια – Διαγνωστικό Κέντρο Έργων Τέχνης και τις εταιρείες Γεωανάλυση και Altec, διενήργησε ανασκαφική έρευνα στην αρχαία πόλη του Δίου Πιερίας, σε δύο τομείς. Στα πλαίσια αυτής, πραγματοποιήθηκε τρισδιάστατη ψηφιακή αποτύπωση των σκαμμάτων και των σημαντικότερων ευρημάτων, καθώς και στοιχειακή ανάλυση των τελευταίων με μη καταστρεπτικές μεθόδους. Αντικείμενο του παρόντος άρθρου αποτελεί η ψηφιακή τεκμηρίωση της ανασκαφής ως μέρος ενός ευρύτερου συστήματος που υποστηρίζει τη συλλογή, τεκμηρίωση, διαχείριση και προβολή των δεδομένων που προκύπτουν από αυτήν. Τα τρισδιάστατα μοντέλα σκαμμάτων, κινητών και μη ευρημάτων που δημιουργήθηκαν αποτελούν πολύτιμο ψηφιακό εργαλείο στην προσπάθεια κατανόησης και ερμηνείας της ανασκαφικής πληροφορίας, ενώ παράλληλα βοηθούν τον μη ειδικό να αντιληφθεί καλύτερα τη διαδικασία της ανασκαφής.
Dion is located in southern Macedonia, at the feet of Mount Olympus. Its Cemetery Basilica is situated outside the south city wall. Close to the north wall of the church lies a small free-standing rectangular room erected over a built... more
Dion is located in southern Macedonia, at the feet of Mount Olympus. Its Cemetery Basilica is situated outside the south city wall. Close to the north wall of the church lies a small free-standing rectangular room erected over a built cist grave. This room marked and served the monumental grave. Its destruction layer contained a relatively well-preserved pottery aggregation sealed by the collapse of the surrounding walls and consequently undisturbed. This context consists of amphorae, primarily of international typology, table and cooking wares.
This project represents the very first thorough study and presentation of early Byzantine pottery from Dion. Even though it is fragmentary, the aforementioned material is considered as particularly representative of the entire city. Regarding the amphorae, the frequent presence of LRA types helps us outline the commercial relations of early Byzantine Dion. Simultaneously, the presence of less common shapes of the Aegean Late Roman pottery repertoire offers a great opportunity for investigating less studied types. Apart from the sealed context from the construction over the cist grave, our research includes selected pottery from other parts of the Basilica.
This project represents the very first thorough study and presentation of early Byzantine pottery from Dion. Even though it is fragmentary, the aforementioned material is considered as particularly representative of the entire city. Regarding the amphorae, the frequent presence of LRA types helps us outline the commercial relations of early Byzantine Dion. Simultaneously, the presence of less common shapes of the Aegean Late Roman pottery repertoire offers a great opportunity for investigating less studied types. Apart from the sealed context from the construction over the cist grave, our research includes selected pottery from other parts of the Basilica.
Αντικείμενο της παρούσας εργασίας αποτελεί η μελέτη της οικοδομικής ιστορίας του χριστιανικού ναού που υπήρξε η έδρα της επισκοπής Δίου και κέντρο του επισκοπικού συγκροτήματος στους πρώτους βυζαντινούς αιώνες. Το Δίον, μία από τις πιο... more
Αντικείμενο της παρούσας εργασίας αποτελεί η μελέτη της οικοδομικής ιστορίας του χριστιανικού ναού που υπήρξε η έδρα της επισκοπής Δίου και κέντρο του επισκοπικού συγκροτήματος στους πρώτους βυζαντινούς αιώνες. Το Δίον, μία από τις πιο ιστορικές θέσεις της Μακεδονίας, απαντά κατά την Ύστερη Αρχαιότητα ως το κύριο αστικό κέντρο στην περιοχή της Πιερίας. Η Επισκοπική Βασιλική αποτελεί ένα από τα σημαντικότερα μνημεία της πόλης και καταλαμβάνει κεντρική θέση στον πολεοδομικό της ιστό. Στη διάρκεια ζωής του, το μνημείο γνώρισε δύο κύριες οικοδομικές φάσεις, οι οποίες ανταποκρίνονται σε δύο διαδοχικούς ναούς, που συμβατικά ονομάζονται Βασιλική Α και Βασιλική Β. Η Βασιλική Α είχε τη μορφή τρίκλιτης ξυλόστεγης βασιλικής και χρονολογείται περί το 400 μ.Χ. Στα ανατολικά απολήγει σε ευρεία αψίδα ιερού, στο εσωτερικό της οποίας διαμορφωνόταν κτιστό σύνθρονο. Στα δυτικά, δεν αποκλείεται να αναπτυσσόταν και αίθριο. Από τον εσωτερικό διάκοσμο του μνημείου διατηρούνται, στον νάρθηκα και το κεντρικό κλίτος του κυρίως ναού, επιδαπέδια ψηφιδωτά με γεωμετρικά θέματα, ενώ μαρμαροθετήματα κάλυπταν το δάπεδο του ιερού, το οποίο οριοθετούσε πιόσχημο φράγμα πρεσβυτερίου. Οι τοίχοι της Βασιλικής Α έφεραν εσωτερικά τοιχογραφίες σε μίμηση ορθομαρμάρωσης, εμπλουτισμένης με αρχιτεκτονικά στοιχεία και συνθέσεις από μαρμαροθετήματα. Επιπλέον, τις τοιχογραφίες συμπλήρωναν διακοσμήσεις με stucco. Μετά από μία περίοδο λειτουργίας, της οποίας τα χρονικά όρια δεν είναι εύκολο να προσδιοριστούν, η Βασιλική Α αντικαταστάθηκε από τη Βασιλική Β. Για την ακρίβεια, η Βασιλική Α καλύφθηκε από τεχνητή επίχωση και επάνω στις τοιχοποιίες της, που διατηρήθηκαν σε ένα ενιαίο ύψος, εδράστηκαν οι τοίχοι του νέου ναού. Η Βασιλική Β, το επίπεδο της οποίας ανυψώθηκε κατά 1,70 με 2,20μ., δεν παρεκκλίνει από το περίγραμμα της προκατόχου της, με εξαίρεση την ανατολική πλευρά, όπου επεκτάθηκε κατά 5μ. διαμορφώνοντας εκ νέου αψίδα ιερού. Η δεύτερη αυτή βασιλική φαίνεται να διέθετε υπερώα, ενώ ως προς την κάλυψή της ήταν επίσης ξυλόστεγη. Τα δάπεδά της ήταν στρωμένα με μαρμαροθετήματα στο κεντρικό κλίτος και με ψηφιδωτό στα πλάγια. Στις στενές πλευρές του νάρθηκα προσαρτάται από ένα ισοπλατές με αυτόν τετράγωνο διαμέρισμα. Το νότιο ταυτίζεται μάλλον με διακονικό, ενώ το βόρειο ήταν πιθανώς κλιμακοστάσιο. Στα δυτικά του ναού αναπτύσσεται ευρύ, διώροφο, τρίστωο αίθριο, στη δυτική πλευρά του οποίου προστέθηκε, σε μεταγενέστερη πιθανότατα φάση, τριμερές βαπτιστήριο. Το αίθριο παρείχε παράλληλα πρόσβαση σε οικοδομικό συγκρότημα στα νότια της βασιλικής, από το οποίο έχει ανασκαφεί τρίκογχο οικοδόμημα που αναγνωρίζουμε ως τρικλίνιο, εντοπίζοντας πλέον τη θέση του επισκοπείου της πόλης. Μία εκτεταμένη καταστροφή από σεισμό, την οποία προσδιορίζουμε μεταξύ του 7ου και του 9ου μ.Χ. αιώνα, υπαγορεύει σειρά επεμβάσεων και μετασκευών στο συγκρότημα της Βασιλικής Β. Σημαντικότερη από αυτές ήταν η ενίσχυση του συστήματος στήριξης με την εισαγωγή, στο κεντρικό κλίτος, πέντε πεσσών κατά μήκος της κάθε κιονοστοιχίας, χωρίς όμως να είναι βέβαιο αν η επέμβαση συνδέεται και με μεταβολή της ξυλόστεγης σε θολωτή κάλυψη. Στόχος της παρούσας εργασίας είναι να εμπλουτίσει τις γνώσεις μας για τη ναοδομία στον χώρο της Μακεδονίας κατά την πρωτοβυζαντινή περίοδο, αλλά και για τη φυσιογνωμία της πόλης του Δίου κατά την όψιμη φάση της ζωής της.
The subject of this thesis is the study of the building history of the Christian church that was the seat of the bishop of Dion and the centre of the episcopal complex in the first centuries of Byzantium. Dion, one of the most historic places of Macedonia, was the main urban centre in the region of Pieria during late Antiquity. The Episcopal Basilica is among the most important monuments of the city and occupies a central position in the urban fabric. In its lifetime, the monument underwent two major building phases, which correspond to two successive churches, conventionally called Basilica A and Basilica B. Basilica A was a three-aisled timber roofed basilica that dates to around 400 A.D. To the east, the building ends in a broad stilted apse with a built synthronon on the inside. To the west, an atrium was probably developed. From the interior decoration of the monument, floor mosaics with geometric motifs are preserved in the nave and the narthex, while the Bema floor was laid with marble opus sectile. The Berna was also separated from the nave by a Π-shaped chancel screen. The interior walls of Basilica A were covered with wall paintings, imitating marble revetments enriched with architectural elements and opus sectile compositions. In addition, the wall paintings were supplemented with stucco decorations. After a period of operation, the time limits of which cannot be easily determined, Basilica A was replaced by Basilica B. In fact, Basilica A was covered with an artificial fill and onto its masonries, that were preserved to a single height, the walls of the new church were erected. Basilica B, the level of which was raised by 1.70 to 2.20 m, does not deviate from the contour of its predecessor, except for the east side that was extended by 5 meters, forming a new apse. Basilica B had galleries and was timber roofed, too. The floor of the church was paved with opus sectile in the nave and mosaics in the aisles. To the lateral parts of the narthex, two rectangular annexes are attached. The southern one probably functioned as the diakonikon, while the northern was maybe a stairwell. To the west of the church there was a large atrium surrounded on three sides by two-storey porticos. On the west side of the atrium, a trilateral baptistery was later added. The atrium also provided access to a building complex to the south of the basilica, from which a triconch has been excavated. This building is identified as a triclinium, thus resulting in the determination of the location of the bishop’s residence. An extensive destruction, caused by an earthquake between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, led to a series of interventions and modifications in the complex of Basilica B. The most important of these was the strengthening of the support system by adding, in the central nave, two rows of five piers. However, it is not certain whether this intervention was also combined with a change of the roof from a timber to a vaulted one. The objective of this study is to enrich our knowledge of the ecclesiastical architecture in the region of Macedonia during the early Byzantine period, and to add information on the physiognomy of the city of Dion in the late phase of its life.
The subject of this thesis is the study of the building history of the Christian church that was the seat of the bishop of Dion and the centre of the episcopal complex in the first centuries of Byzantium. Dion, one of the most historic places of Macedonia, was the main urban centre in the region of Pieria during late Antiquity. The Episcopal Basilica is among the most important monuments of the city and occupies a central position in the urban fabric. In its lifetime, the monument underwent two major building phases, which correspond to two successive churches, conventionally called Basilica A and Basilica B. Basilica A was a three-aisled timber roofed basilica that dates to around 400 A.D. To the east, the building ends in a broad stilted apse with a built synthronon on the inside. To the west, an atrium was probably developed. From the interior decoration of the monument, floor mosaics with geometric motifs are preserved in the nave and the narthex, while the Bema floor was laid with marble opus sectile. The Berna was also separated from the nave by a Π-shaped chancel screen. The interior walls of Basilica A were covered with wall paintings, imitating marble revetments enriched with architectural elements and opus sectile compositions. In addition, the wall paintings were supplemented with stucco decorations. After a period of operation, the time limits of which cannot be easily determined, Basilica A was replaced by Basilica B. In fact, Basilica A was covered with an artificial fill and onto its masonries, that were preserved to a single height, the walls of the new church were erected. Basilica B, the level of which was raised by 1.70 to 2.20 m, does not deviate from the contour of its predecessor, except for the east side that was extended by 5 meters, forming a new apse. Basilica B had galleries and was timber roofed, too. The floor of the church was paved with opus sectile in the nave and mosaics in the aisles. To the lateral parts of the narthex, two rectangular annexes are attached. The southern one probably functioned as the diakonikon, while the northern was maybe a stairwell. To the west of the church there was a large atrium surrounded on three sides by two-storey porticos. On the west side of the atrium, a trilateral baptistery was later added. The atrium also provided access to a building complex to the south of the basilica, from which a triconch has been excavated. This building is identified as a triclinium, thus resulting in the determination of the location of the bishop’s residence. An extensive destruction, caused by an earthquake between the 7th and 9th centuries AD, led to a series of interventions and modifications in the complex of Basilica B. The most important of these was the strengthening of the support system by adding, in the central nave, two rows of five piers. However, it is not certain whether this intervention was also combined with a change of the roof from a timber to a vaulted one. The objective of this study is to enrich our knowledge of the ecclesiastical architecture in the region of Macedonia during the early Byzantine period, and to add information on the physiognomy of the city of Dion in the late phase of its life.
The present study is part of a broader research programme entitled " Surgical Excavation " , undertaken at the archaeological site of Dion, Macedonia, Greece. Among other projects, this programme included a case scenario based on... more
The present study is part of a broader research programme entitled " Surgical Excavation " , undertaken at the archaeological site of Dion, Macedonia, Greece. Among other projects, this programme included a case scenario based on non-destructive analysis and processing of multispectral and multidimensional data provided by in situ measurements carried out on a wide variety of artefacts. The objects presented here come from the ongoing excavation of a Late Antique villa (domus) situated in the centre of the city of Dion. The main objective of the above-mentioned work was the application and optimisation of a modular mobile lab to be pertinent to the complete documentation of artefacts as an essential part of the archaeological study in course and after the excavation process. A bottom-up approach of the objects was attempted, according to an integrated methodology which incorporated several scientific methods and corresponding instrumentation and tools. The analytical protocol of the mobile lab included multispectral photography, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), UV/Vis, near IR, mid FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopies, as well as acoustic microscopy. All measuring devices were implemented and used in combination with each other in order to optimise the complementarity of each method. The analyses generated a wealth of information on the pathology of the excavation finds, their materials, construction techniques and ancient technologies, contributing to their interpretation and even opening up new lines of research. Ultimately, this study presents for the first time the results and data interpretations of selected objects with special interest.
The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview of the pathology problems of the archaeological site of Dion. Masonry, floors and mural decorations at the site show significant damage due to environmental factors: extreme changes... more
The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview of the pathology problems of the archaeological site of Dion. Masonry, floors and mural decorations at the site show significant damage due to environmental factors: extreme changes in temperature, high humidity, frost, intense organic activity.
The erosion of structural materials is the main deterioration problem. The effects of the exposure to the environmental conditions are evident in the most vulnerable building materials: plaster and mortar. The disorganisation of the binding material, especially on the top of the walls and in the joints, is a common phenomenon in all kinds of masonry leading to the loss of adhesion, disintegration and material loss. Consequently, the stones or bricks become loose and this can lead even to the collapse of large sections of masonry causing severe damage to a building.
The erosion of the binding material in combination with high humidity have as a result the intense growth of vegetation on the top of the walls and in the joints and the further weakening of the mortar in greater depth. The roots penetrate the masonry through the joints and cracks. They exert compressive forces that create more cracks and cause the detachment and even collapse of material.
The outer surface of ashlars and marble architectural members is characterised by discoloration due to the attachment and growth of epilithic microorganisms. Apart from the discoloration, they also have an erosive effect that is due to the retention of moisture, and the acid or alkaline secretions they produce.
In the past, restoration work was carried out on various buildings of the site during which masonry was fixed and recovered with the use of cement mortar. In some places, especially in the upper part of the wall, there can be found cracks and detachment of mortar. Elsewhere, even major parts of original masonry that are adjacent to the restored ones have collapsed. This is due to the fact that cement is stronger than the ancient binding materials. Thereby, the problem of erosion is transferred to the more vulnerable parts of the wall.
Wall paintings discovered in place during excavation are demanding archaeological finds as they require protection and restoration measures to be taken immediately after they have been uncovered. The protection from the rain that shelters offer is not enough since moisture is transferred through the masonry to the wall paintings. Moisture favours the development of microorganisms and the transportation of salts from cement - in the case of rough restoration work - to the surface. Results: Discoloration, material loss, collapse.
Regarding mosaics, the main problems are: wear of binding material, detached and dislocated tesserae, ground subsidence, and unsuitability of materials at the edging repairs made in the past to reinforce the mosaic’s boarder.
The erosion of structural materials is the main deterioration problem. The effects of the exposure to the environmental conditions are evident in the most vulnerable building materials: plaster and mortar. The disorganisation of the binding material, especially on the top of the walls and in the joints, is a common phenomenon in all kinds of masonry leading to the loss of adhesion, disintegration and material loss. Consequently, the stones or bricks become loose and this can lead even to the collapse of large sections of masonry causing severe damage to a building.
The erosion of the binding material in combination with high humidity have as a result the intense growth of vegetation on the top of the walls and in the joints and the further weakening of the mortar in greater depth. The roots penetrate the masonry through the joints and cracks. They exert compressive forces that create more cracks and cause the detachment and even collapse of material.
The outer surface of ashlars and marble architectural members is characterised by discoloration due to the attachment and growth of epilithic microorganisms. Apart from the discoloration, they also have an erosive effect that is due to the retention of moisture, and the acid or alkaline secretions they produce.
In the past, restoration work was carried out on various buildings of the site during which masonry was fixed and recovered with the use of cement mortar. In some places, especially in the upper part of the wall, there can be found cracks and detachment of mortar. Elsewhere, even major parts of original masonry that are adjacent to the restored ones have collapsed. This is due to the fact that cement is stronger than the ancient binding materials. Thereby, the problem of erosion is transferred to the more vulnerable parts of the wall.
Wall paintings discovered in place during excavation are demanding archaeological finds as they require protection and restoration measures to be taken immediately after they have been uncovered. The protection from the rain that shelters offer is not enough since moisture is transferred through the masonry to the wall paintings. Moisture favours the development of microorganisms and the transportation of salts from cement - in the case of rough restoration work - to the surface. Results: Discoloration, material loss, collapse.
Regarding mosaics, the main problems are: wear of binding material, detached and dislocated tesserae, ground subsidence, and unsuitability of materials at the edging repairs made in the past to reinforce the mosaic’s boarder.
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