The Phiale Fountain of the Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis: On the Treatment of Spolia in Late Antiquity. Metamorphoses of the Sacred Water Concept
The Phiale Fountain of the Episcopal Basilica of Philippopolis: On the Treatment of Spolia in Late Antiquity. Metamorphoses of the Sacred Water Concept

Summary/Abstract: The phiale fountain of the Episcopal basilica of Philippopolis was built of elements, most of which had belonged to a Roman fountain/nymphaeum. Considering the dual cultural orientation of Philippopolis, both to the West and to the East, we propose to refer to the fountain’s marble vessel as a labrum for its original use in the Roman period. Its decoration and structure are different from the examples known to us, thus suggesting that it was made-to-order. During the period of its reuse in a Christian environment, it is defined as a phiale – with regard to its sub-sequent reuse in a Christian setting as a spolium with an altered size, appearance, function and meaning.

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