BSY_FB_06_p019

19

Bābisḳa

W. Church. The smaller of the two churches is situated in
the south western section of the town. It is a
comparatively late structure, its east end is square
(plan no. 3) the nave was divided by two rows of
three columns each, these supported plain
arches and the apse was arched as usual.

The capitals were of the simplest sub-corinthian
partaking largely of early christian Roman
character. The exterior ornaments of the
simplest kind only the western portal
having any claim to richness. This is
provided with a deep set of mouldings, in the
middle of the lintel is a large symbolic
disc around which the mouldings
are carried. Upon this portal is an inscription
which follows the moulding on its curve
over the disc and is carried for a little
distance down the jambs. The inscription
gives the patron saint as Sergius and the date
609 A.D. (W.K.P. insc 29). Of this church only
the West wall and portions of the East and South
walls are standing.