ΒΧΜ

Closure slab i.e. plaque from the barrier of the presbyterium or templon screen that separated the sanctuary or presbytery, the holiest part of the church and intended for the clergy and the celebration of the sacrament of the Divine Eucharist, from the rest of the church. The marble architectural sculpture has inscriptions and relief decoration. The panel comes from the Church of Hagios Ioannis Magoutis in Attica. Fragments of a calligraphic verse inscription on the band at the edge of this panel (and of the panel no BXM 01050 coming from the same barrier) refers to the renovation of the templon by members of the Athenian Sporgitis family. The inscription has been dated to the 12th century and the panel in 11th or 12th.