Baptistery of Butrint

[2] The round structure of the baptistery, measuring 14.5 meters in diameter, was built within a large rectangular space that was either part of a Roman bathhouse or household bathing complex.

This gives rise to technical and aesthetic issues--far wider and higher arches on the outer arcade--that must have tested the ingenuity of architect to the limit.

Most likely created by mosaicists from Nicopolis, the mosaic floor is considered the most complex of any late antique baptismal structure still existing in the Mediterranean today.

[2] It consists of seven circling bands turning around the central font, the mosaic features iconography relating both to Christianity and to aristocratic life.

[3] The Butrint baptistery mosaics feature two prominent scenes, each strongly evoking Christian iconography befitting a baptismal theme.

According to Mitchell, as peacock flesh was believed not to decompose, the appearance of the animal in late antique art would have symbolized eternal life.

[3] Varying motifs throughout the rounded floor may also have demarcated areas of ceremonial importance within the baptistery, rather than simply serve as decoration.