131-132, figs. 25, 27 (phs., dr.) | |
169-170, no. 1 (dr.) (ed. pr.) |
SEG 62 (2012): 1651
CIIP IV.2 (2018): 3756 (ph.)
In the mosaic pavement at the western end of the central nave, in front of the main entrance, stage 1.
Four-line mosaic inscription set in a tabula ansata (60 cm x 93 cm [153 cm with handles]). Text traced in black tesserae, with lines separated by rows of red tesserae, Letters very neatly shaped, tall, narrow, and regular, belonging to the square alphabet. Their height varies according to line (8.1-10 cm), but the height of the letters in each line is identical. Based on the shape of the letters and lack of abbreviations, the inscription cannot be later than the late 4th - mid-5th century.
Ὁ εἰσερχόμενος
εὐξάσθω ὑπὲρ
Προβατίου τοῦ
πρεσβυτέρου.
He who enters, let him pray for Probatius the priest.
Dedicatory inscription of Probatius the priest within a tabula ansata, at the western end of the central nave.
Rather than the church being in memory of Probatius, it is more likely that he was the priest in charge of the building at the time of its completion and dedication, and those who entered it were requested to reward his efforts by giving him their prayers.