The Floor Mosaics of the Catalcam Basilica in Akyaka

Abstract

The basilica which is the subject of our study is located in the territorium of the ancient city of Idyma (in Akyaka, a province of Mugla). Here illicit digs have been carried out and two Turkish tombs and some architectural remains of the Early Christian Period were uncovered. Thereafter, a rescue excavation was carried out for two seasons by the Mugla Archaeological Museum. Excavations brought to light a three-aisle basilical church with three apses and a narthex to the west, small finds of architectural sculpture as well as mosaic pavements in opus tessellatum technique. The central nave is paved with mosaics from the doorway of the narthex to the beginning of the apse. The mosaic is worked in opus tessellatum technique with tesserae cut from marble, brick and basalt. Alongside the animal figures, the decoration comprises floral and geometric motifs. Although poorly preserved, the extant parts reveal the characteristics and favorite themes of the period. In the bema, on the other hand, are panels decorated with peacocks, geometric arrangements, pomegranate and symmetrical wild goats flanking a tree, all framed with floral and geometric borders. The most important document dealing with the Catalcam mosaics appears in the inscription. The inscription is dated to the 6th century according to the characteristics of its letters. The figurative and geometric decorations of the mosaic are common and analogically can be dated to the same century as the inscription.