







Sparta Basilica Project 2000-2001: Season 2001
Restoration/Conservation/Reconstruction:
Work continued in June with the second season of the Sparta Basilica Project directed by Ms E. Katsara of the EBA and Dr R. Sweetman for the School. During the first season cleaning work had concentrated on the Basilica proper and the primary architectural work had focused on the execution of an accurate ground plan and stone by stone elevations of the main monument. During the second season, cleaning work concentrated on the West Building and the architect worked on sections through the entire Basilica complex and reconstructions. Plans, elevations and photographs were prepared in the newly cleaned areas. Cleaning in the western area of the West complex revealed further connected buildings. Previously unrecorded walls and doorways were also exposed and added to the plan. The aim of the work on the Basilica proper was to study the remaining walls and doorways to aid in the feasibility of possible reconstructions. Additionally some further cleaning work was undertaken in the nave and apse in order to define the area of the potential ambo and plan the floor contexts. Although poor!y preserved, it seems likely, on the basis of its position in the centre of the nave and its shape (round with straight edges on the E and W), that there is evidence for a walk-up, walk-down ambo. A new programme of geophysical study was undertaken in order to help place the Basilica within the context of other architectural remains on the Acropolis.
Active in /06/2001.
Katsara, Dr Evi
Sweetman, Professor Rebecca Jane