The Early Christian Basilicas of Agios Nikolaos at Chersonesos
In the modern settlement of Limenas at Chersonesos, which has been built atop the ancient city of Cherronesos, three basilicas have been discovered, indicative of the great prosperity of the settlement also during the early Byzantine period when it was the seat of the homonymous ancient diocese. Basilica A of St. Nicholas, as it was named from the newly-built church on its east side, is located two kilometres east of the port of the settlement. It is a three-aisled basilica with a semi-circular apse to the east and a narthex and atrium to the west. The middle nave and the narthex have partially preserved floor mosaic of the 5th and 6th centuries respectively, with geometric and vegetal motifs, birds, as well as a representation with a lion and a deer. A rectangular, arched building, possibly a martyrium or baptistery, is found to the southeast corner of the sanctuary and below sea-level.
