File:Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus - Basilica St John the Fasting (Nestikos) - 52042246628.jpg

English: A Roman Basilica was built near the temenos of the ancient Sanctuary in either the late 4th or early 5th century AD. Re-used materials from the earlier Greek buildings were used in its construction. Elaborate polychrome floor mosaics formed a carpet pattern that covered the full floor area of the major rooms and hallways. Motifs include ivy scrolls and various geometrical patterns. Exact dating for the Basilica is unknown. It may initially have been used during the late Imperial period as a commercial centre and lawcourt with a civic agora. The agora consisted of a roughly square colonnaded court with a portico on four sides which gave access to a series of large rooms and a meeting hall with a mosaic flooring. During a later period, two rooms with piped water were added on the northern side of the agora. The building was later adapted for use as a Christian Basilica when the sanctuary was converted to a Christian healing centre. At this time, a small church of St. John was built within the apse. The attached baptistery dates to this later period of renovation. The Christian-era basilica is arranged with five aisles leading towards the eastern apse.

The foundations of the western, colonnaded agora and the eastern Christian Basilica remain although in a ruinous state. The lower courses of the eastern apse and Church of St. John can be seen, although the mosaics were re-buried for protection following excavation.

Source: ©Timetravelrome