Dyrrachium in the Early Christian and Byzantine period
By: Lida Fabian Miraj
Publisher: [publisher not identified]
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Tiranë [Albania]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 192
ISBN-13: 9789928051257
Subjects: Antiquities; History
Other titles: Dyrrachium
Description: "The modern city of Durrës, Albania's second largest city, is built on the remains of the ancient one, known as Epidamnos or Dyrrachion, transformed into Dyrrachium in Roman period, dates from the seventh century B.C. It was the most strategic city on the Adriatic Sea and a major port of Illyria for Italy, whence a branch of the Via Egnatia runs past (technically bypasses) Salonica to Constantinople subsequently to link New with Old Rome. Dyrrachium was the most strategic city in Adriatic Coast, a seafaring city-state and thrived on commerce, one of two principles [sic] gates of Christian diffusion in Balkans (the other was Salona). As part of East Illyricum and Macedonian Diocese, Dyrrachium was the capital of the province of Epirus Nova, part of the eastern Empire, when Theodosius divided Roman Empire in two parts. Archaeological material, such as the villa with Orpheus mosaic, the Early Christian and Medieval chapels at the amphitheater, St. Michael Basilica in Arapaj, the Byzantine Round Forum, the Byzantine walls, the sewerage system, is a good base for reconstructing the image of the city during Early Christian and Byzantine period. Interesting mosaics, marble architectural fragments, mostly Proconnesian imports, and engraved inscriptions bear witnes[s] of the artistic, economic and architectural development of the city during this period"--Back cover.
Notes: "This book is published on the occasion of 1700 years of the Edict of Milan (313-2013)"--Title page verso.

"'Constantine, in hoc signo vinces'"--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 112-141).
Table of contents: title: Introduction & Forewords; title: Dyrrachium in Early Christian period; title: Villa with Orpheus mosaic; title: The chapels at the amphitheater; title: Saint Michael Basilica at Arapaj; title: The Byzantine Round Forum; title: The Byzantine wall: the towers ; The gates; title: The sewerage system; title: The Early Christian inscriptions; title: Instead of epilogue.