Kourion Complex Palace (Mosaics) Fales, c. 1955 (1 of 2)De C. Fales (probably)

78

about the plan and location of the building as well as its use for baptism. This is all the more likely in that there is a conflation between the terms used in connection with bathing and those used in baptizing and between those of baths and baptisteries. [handwritten: 537] People's habit of crossing themselves [handwritten: 538] before entering a bath-building has already been mentioned. Chrysostom,also, states that women should leave the house for two purposes only-to go to church and to [handwritten: xxxx] go to the bath. [handwritten: 539] Moreover baths were often built near to churches in the complex of buildings used by the clergy. [handwritten: 540]

Now while many baths may have been used for baptism without leaving us any tell-tale sign, there was a bath at Narlidja [handwritten: Narlidja mean] next to Antioch which was, I think,also,used for baptism. This bath was constructed approximately contemporaneously with ours. Lassus asserts that it was built not earlier than the middle of the fifth century. [handwritten: 541] Doro Levi,however, points out that the latest artefact incorporated into the structure is a coin of Valens (364-378). [handwritten: 542] The frigidarium was in plan octagonal. In four of the sides, there were x semicircular niches;in the other four, openings into other rooms. On the east, was the entrance,probably closed off by a door,to the hot rooms; on the west,an oblong cold bath;on the north,an entrance to a portico;on the south, a stretch of mosaic,called a south [handwritten: 543] vestibule,which gave access to a/portico. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx