DESCRIPTION:

“Building 4” was a large and elaborately decorated structure located next to the “Earthquake House.” Constructed during the 2nd century, it was ultimately destroyed in the mid-4th century AD due to devastating earthquakes (365/370 AD) that affected Kourion and other cities throughout the Mediterranean region. After its destruction, the building was never rebuilt; instead, it became further buried under debris during clean-up efforts as other parts of Kourion were cleared and reconstructed.

Notably, an exterior-facing room on the building's east side is believed by some scholars to have served as public space. This room, bordered by a large exterior wall that included cisterns for storing fresh water, featured a mosaic floor and marble-covered walls and was adorned with two nearly complete marble statues of Harpocrates-Apollo and his twin, Artemis. Additionally, hundreds of fresco fragments suggest that at least one room in Building 4 was decorated with figural wall scenes.

The remains of eight earthquake victims were found within the building. The discovery of lamps near the victims, along with personal items such as jewellery, a possible coin purse, and keys, suggests that the earthquake may have occurred in the evening when the inhabitants were settling down for the night or early in the morning as they were preparing for their day.