US Embassy helps to preserve Stobi’s heritage
Posted on Mon 10th Oct 2016 at 14:09
In another sign of how important the Stobi area is to the world’s cultural heritage, the American Embassy in Skopje – the capital of Macedonia – has just granted $89,000 to conserve the floor mosaic of the Episcopal Basilica’s baptistery.The Basilica is the most significant Christian building in all of Stobi, and it is thought to date from the 4th century AD, making it the oldest church in Macedonia. It is possible that it was built by the bishop Budius, who took part in the first ecumenical council in Niceaea, in 325 AD.The basilica was excavated for the first time in 1918, and th
In another sign of how important the Stobi area is to the world’s cultural heritage, the American Embassy in Skopje – the capital of Macedonia – has just granted $89,000 to conserve the floor mosaic of the Episcopal Basilica’s baptistery. The Basilica is the most significant Christian building in all of Stobi, and it is thought to date from the 4th century AD, making it the oldest church in Macedonia. It is possible that it was built by the bishop Budius, who took part in the first ecumenical council in Niceaea, in 325 AD.
The Basilica was excavated for the first time in 1918, and the site was enlarged by many further digs. It is not the only site in Stobi to have received archaeological attention, however: Stobi was the largest urban centre in the northern part of the Roman province of Macedonia, and is therefore of great historical interest. One of the reasons we’re particularly interested in the Episcopal Basilica’s baptistery, aside from the fact it’s part of Stobi's national heritage, is that it contains the iconic peacock mosaic that you’ll find on all of the Stobi bottles.
We're very glad that funding has been granted to preserve this important and beautiful piece. The peacock was a powerful symbol to the Romans, identified as it was with not only tasty meals (peacocks were something of a delicacy) but also the goddess Juno. According to legend the goddess Juno, wife of Zeus, created the peacock from Argus, whose hundred eyes are seen on the tail of the peacock and symbolise the starry heavens. Stobi believe the peacock is so special that they put it on all their Stobi bottles and corks, and we hope that it gives you a small taste of the ancient and fascinating Stobi heritage as your promote the wine to your customers.