La reexcavación de la basílica visigoda de Segobriga (Cabeza de Griego, Saelices). Análisis arqueológico, fases constructivas y cronología

Abstract

In this article we present the results of the re-excavation of the so-called Visigothic Basilica in Cabeza de Griego (Segobriga, Saelices) that was carried out in 2006. Conserved structures are described and their dating is established, presenting also a proposal for building evolution based on the archaeological data. Moreover we propose its insertion into the urban fabric of the late antique city in connection with the burial areas and the development of its Christian suburb.
The first excavations in the site were held in the late eighteenth century, promoted by the Real Academia de la Historia. In these excavations a large complex was found, where the tombstones of three bishops of the diocese of Segobriga were recovered. Two centuries later, the re-excavation of the building has allowed us to date the origin of the construction in the first half of fifth century, probably associated with the memory of a local personality.
The rebuilding of the hall is dated in the sixth century. It is considered to be part of a larger construction process consisting of the foundation, south of the original building, of a great related architectural complex. Afterwards, it was reconstructed in the late sixth century or in the early seventh as a result of the ruin of the apse. The building was then functionally reinterpreted as mausoleum of the Episcopal hierarchy and as a funeral basilica, enduring with this function until the mid-eighth century.
Finally the origin of the construction is related to the late antiquity burial area located northeast of the city of Segobriga, considering it the embryo of the broad Christian suburb born in their environment.