Whispers from centuries ago echo around us here at the Early Christian Basilica of Mygdaleza. This is more than just an archeological site. It’s a portal into early Christianity in Attica.
The Early Christian Basilica of Mygdaleza sits on Mygdaleza hill in Stamata. It is about 2.5 km northwest of the village. This location is within a fenced private estate so public access is limited.
Imagine this area bustling with activity in the late 5th century. The Early Christian Basilica of Mygdaleza was constructed then or the early 6th century. It stood as a three-aisled basilica. A baptistery was on the southeast side. This baptistery included two independent rooms. These rooms were the photisterion and chrismarion.
A unique discovery was made near the sanctuary’s apse. A twin tomb was unearthed. Today it is displayed at the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens.
The Early Christian Basilica of Mygdaleza did not stand the test of time. By the late 7th or early 8th century, destruction came. Many early Christian monuments across the country suffered the same fate. Slavic and Arabic raids caused widespread damage.
Yet, faith is resilient. During the 11th century, veneration was revived here. Though, it was restricted to the middle aisle. Tombs around the basilica reveal it became a cemetery. Even during Turkish rule in the late 19th century, a single-naved church existed. It was built in the basilica’s middle aisle. This church was known as Hagia Paraskevi or Hagios Nikolaos.
Excavations have revealed much about the Early Christian Basilica of Mygdaleza. A clay lekythos dating to the 6th century was found in a tomb. Originally these vessels stored scented oils. This one now resides in the Byzantine and Christian Museum. It serves as a reminder of life and death in early Christian times.
The Early Christian Basilica of Mygdaleza provides invaluable insights into the evolution of religious architecture. It also reveals the shifts in cultural practices. From basilica to cemetery to a single-naved church, this site reflects adaptation. It tells of survival through turbulent times. As we leave this evocative location, consider the layers of history beneath our feet. Remember the stories whispered by the stones of the Early Christian Basilica of Mygdaleza.