Inscriptions show Greek widespread
One of the mosaic floors was found in a cave and dates from the 5th or 6th century; a Greek inscription in the upper portion of another mosaic near the northern aisle of the basilica dates it precisely to April 605. From the same period is a mosaic floor near the altar with medallions depicting peacocks surrounded by vines and a lamb symbolizing Christ. In the center is a medallion with a cross and a Greek epigraph: «TELOS KALON.» A mosaic beneath the pulpit (605) has a geometric design, while another in the center aisle has images of plants and animals. In the sacristy is another mosaic dating from 572-3. «Though it is rather damaged, we can still see what it portrayed,» said Politis. «Even though it is earlier, it is of the same high quality. The central motif is a kantharos surrounded by vines that matches the Chapel of the Martyr Theodorus. The case bears the name of the mosaic artist, Stephanos, and the year.» Style and technique The mosaics of St Lot reflect the technique of the mosaics in the Holy Land during the early Christian era (4th-7th centuries), Politis noted, pointing out that they are in the style seen in the area of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Animals, birds, plants and geometric designs are typical elements of that school. «What is striking, however, is the number of mosaics in such a small area as Zoara, where the basilica is located. It demonstrates that there was a flourishing community. The absence of human figures and the fact that there are few depictions of animals reflect a taboo on such images. The mosaic maker has chosen instead to use themes of pagan origin to which Christian symbols have been attributed.» The discovery of so many mosaics that can be dated with precision because of the inscriptions they contain, Politis explained, «offers many opportunities to date other works of the era and include them in a specific historical, artistic and aesthetic context.»
