Monuments

The early Christian basilica of Ierissos (4th–6th century), is located along the coast of the settlement. It is a large three-aisled basilica with an atrium. Its length is approximately 50m including the atrium and the conch. The central aisle has a clear width of 8m and the side aisles 4m. From the narthex to the aisles there is one entrance in the middle of each aisle. On the west side of the church there are two entrances, which lead to the atrium. Rubble masonry and white lime mortar were mainly used for the construction of the basilica.

As expected, the basilica of Ierissos was robbed to a great extent, and its larceny began quite early, perhaps as early as the 10th century, when the Middle Byzantine cemetery became operational. In this respect, that which is detected of the basilica is the masonry, up to a few centimeters above the levels of the damaged flooring. The interior of the church was coated with plaster and painted. There are indications that in some parts of the masonry there were marble inlays where well-worked seashell encrustations appear to have been incorporated. 

As glass mosaics were also found, we consider it likely that there were also wall mosaics. The floors seem to have been, at least partially, decorated with marble inlays (scattered marble encrustations were found), but certain parts, perhaps the side aisles and the narthex, must have been paved with marble slabs. The size and the apparent opulence of the basilica can only mean that the prosperity of Acanthus in the Roman period continued until at least the time of Justin II when the last coin of the early Christian period is dated.

We do not yet know the exact time and the reason the basilica was destroyed. However, it should be regarded as being certain that around the end of the 9th century the basilica was already in ruins, but its form denoted its identity. So, the inhabitants of Ierissos in the middle Byzantine period took advantage of the obvious sanctity of the site of the ruined basilica to set up their cemetery. It is interesting that the floors of the church were perforated in order to accommodate burials. So far, 335 graves have been revealed, which are divided into three construction categories: a) pit graves, demarcated and covered with stone slabs, b) graves similar to the previous ones only covered by implanted fragments of bricks that served as rudimentary decoration, c) cist graves (only one such grave has been found). The Byzantine coins collected from the backfilling of the cemetery identify the period of its use, which ranges from mid-10th century to late 13th century.

Personal items of the deceased were found in 55 burial sites, namely jewelry, crosses, beaded necklaces, rings, glass bracelets, copper and silver ear tags.

 Kleanthis Doukas