L'architecture paléochrétienne dans le Kvarner : état des connaissances et nouvelles découvertes

Abstract

This article is intended to present a summary of both historical and recent work carried out on the rich Early Christian architecture of the Kvarner region. This geographical entity covers the north-eastern part of the Adriatic Sea, situated between the Istrian peninsula to the north-west and the Dalmatian coast to the south-east. Thanks to its particular position, the Early Christian architecture of the region exhibits from the very start (the beginning of the 5thcentury) clear signs of Aquilean, Istrian and Iadertine influence. Around the turn of the mid 6thcent., a new wave of influence is legible, through new architectural elements clearly displaying the growing power of the proto-Byzantine era. Some recent results help to shed new light on old areas of study, while at the same time creating new ones. The problem of Christianization and the ecclesiastical territorial organization are clearly noted, as are questions of population density and of its control by the Church throughout the 5thand, to a greater extent, 6thcent. Other questions are equally raised, such as the permanence and changes of maritime and terrestrial communications (pilgrimage…).