DESCRIPTION:

The so-called "Apsidal Building" is likely a public building that has only been partially excavated. Its name is derived from its main architectural feature, namely the large apsidal hall. The large apsidal hall precedes a vestibule and flanked by a series of three rooms on either side. There is evidence of additional rooms on the southern side, which, however, have collapsed. On the northern side, the rooms are adjoined by a large open rectangular space, which is surrounded by porticoes with colonnades on three of its sides.

The floor of the vestibule leading to the apsidal hall was originally paved with opus sectile (floor made of colourful marble tiles). The apsidal hall preserved a colourful mosaic floor, decorated with geometric patterns, which surround two squares. The first square features a pattern of concentric circles surrounded by a spiral, while the second square depicts a duck preparing to peck a pomegranate with its beak. The second depiction is surrounded by a laurel-leaves wreath. The smaller rooms on either side of the apsidal hall have mosaic floors with simple geometric patterns made of black and white tesserae. Based on the style of the mosaics, the floors date to the 5th or 6th century AD.