Issues:
Sections:
Issue 96
HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY, ETHNOGRAPHY
UDK: 902/904
BRICKS FROM GIENOS: SIZES, SIGNS, TRACES AND PRINTS
This article introduces into scientific circulation the preliminary results of the study of bricks, signs and prints placed on them, found during excavations in 2019-2023 on the territory of an early Byzantine temple at the Gienos settlement (Ochamchira, Republic of Abkhazia). All the bricks having a form were measured, the most common size options were identified, and analogies to other artifacts from different medieval temples were recorded. Also, assumptions about three sizes of bricks used in construction the temple were made. All signs and symbols on the bricks were divided into a number of groups: by quantity, method of application, location on the brick. An attempt was also made to divide the found marks into three parts: from the naos of the temple, the territory of the narthex and presumably the courtyard of the temple. Each sign was classified if possible; a presumable reconstruction of fragmented symbols was made. For some of the signs found were analogies. It’s assumed that some of them were marks of master builders; others can be attributed to tamga-like symbols. Another part of the signs presumably doesn’t carry any semantic load and was made for no reason. Considering that excavations are ongoing, and a huge array of unprocessed plinth remains, this information is preliminary.
Pages: 46 - 60
Date: 30.03.2025