Bethlehem - The Nativity: Constantinian church - Octagon

Two fragemnts of the mosaic remined: A small one to the east, and a larger on on the north. The outer and inner border of the mosaic is a plain strip anda three-strand guilloche pattern. The fregment to the east is composed in addiotin to the main border by borders of: waves, composite guilloche, waves and a guilloche. The fragemnts to the north can be divided into three parts: A) At the north side, aprox 2X3 m. Consists of pattern of octagons and squares in which the squares are compsed of various meanders, formed by wide bands of two-strand guilloche. Seven octagons are preserved and thery depict the motifs of: a bird; interlaced cross within square with projecting corners; star composed of lozengs and squares; three trees; bird among branches; cock among vines; complex guilloche. B) one of the corners of the octagon. Has a border of two-strand guilloche and a simple strip. The field consists of vine-trellis forming almost closed medallions with bunches of grapes. C) At the west side. the preserved fragment is 1.5X3.6 m. The border consists of cornucopiae and acanthus leaves forming almost closed medallions which contain various depicitions. Among them it is possible to identify four-petalled rosettes, pomegranate, bird and grapes. The field is various meanders composed of bands of two-strand guilloche and waves. Only two of the squares remain: one contains intersecting circles; the other has a three-dimensional cubes.