#Roman mosaic shapes how to

Its citizens had to abandon their homes and their churches, and seek security on the three hills. Though it was protected by a fortification wall, the ancient city no longer could defend itself. The Romans had erected their Philippopolis in the plains. However, the incursions by the peoples involved in the great movements of the 5th-7th centuries continued. The Bishop’s Basilica was the most attractive of them all. When in 342-343 the clerical council in Serdica, now Sofia, Bulgaria, declared Arianism a heresy, the Arians held their own counter-council in Philippopolis.Ī few years after the Edict of Milan, Philippopolis started constructing sumptuous churches for the increasing number of believers. Arianism, according to which the Son was subservient to the Father, became popular. The religious strife and disputes characteristic of the period came to the city as well. Philippopolis became the seat of a diocese and later of a metropolitan archdiocese.

They are still being honored by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. During the anti-Christian persecutions by Emperor Diocletian, 37 Christians of Philippopolis were killed because of their faith, probably in 304. It is certain, however, that at the end of the 3rd century, the Christian community of Philippopolis was already sizable. It is unclear when a Christian community emerged in Philippopolis, but there are indications that it happened as early as the 1st century with bishop Holy Apostle Hermas. Philippopolis woke up in close proximity to the heart of the empire. In 324, Emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople. In 313 the Edict of Milan legalized Christianity as an official religion. In the 4th century, however, life and the religious landscape of the city changed dramatically. In the 2nd century, they erected a large synagogue with a mosaic floor depicting a magnificent menorah. A significant number of Jews lived in the city, too. The citizens of Philippopolis also adhered to the official cult of the emperor. The God Rider of the local Thracians cohabited with newcomers such as Apollo and Hermes, Zeus and Asclepius, and foreigners, enshrouded in mystery, such as Mithras and the Phrygian Cybele. Deities of all shapes and sizes, local as well as imported, worshiped by all or by the initiated few, were brought into the city in the hearts and minds of people from all corners of the empire. During the following centuries, prosperity alternated with decline, political and economic crises, and incursions.Īncient Philippopolis was a city of many gods. Rome imposed its rule over this ancient Thracian city in 46 AD.

Later generations would also come to value the natural defense of the three hills by the copious River Maritsa, the proximity to the Rhodope Mountain with its resources, the location along the strategic route connecting Asia and the Bosphorus with Central Europe along which the Romans later built their notorious road called Via Diagonalis, or the Diagonal Road, and also Via Militaris, or the Military Road.įor six centuries in its millennia-spanning history, Plovdiv was part of the Roman Empire. The first Neolithic settlers in Europe were quick to appreciate its advantages. What has remained unchanged through time, however, is its appeal.

You can read all about it in my blog post.Pulpudeva, Philippopolis, Trimontium, Puldin, Filibe and Plovdiv: this city in the Southeastern part of the Balkans has changed many names and rulers through the millennia. As a result, I designed an Amphora mosaic for my March ambassador project. Immediately I knew that I wanted to make a mosaic like the ones that I had seen in Pompeii. I was lucky enough to receive the gorgeous Pompeii Red one.ĭisclosure: Items in this post were generously provided by Island Batik and Aurifil Thread. All of the ambassadors received color builders based on various Italian cities. This month was sponsored by Aurifil threads. Each month we are given a particular quilting/sewing challenge. This tutorial is part of my March project for the Island Batik ambassador project.

#Roman mosaic shapes how to

Why not try making your own masterpiece and learn how to make a faux Roman mosaic with Aurifil thread and Island Batiks. Even more amazing, to me at least, is how many are intact or partially intact to this day. Made with small pieces of stone, the designs are intricate and fascinating. If you ever have a chance to see the incredible Roman mosaics in Italy, they will take your breath away.