Eirene

The late antique residential building Eirene (EIPHNH in Greek) in Plovdiv was found during archeological excavations in 1883-1984. The residential building Eirene is a monument of culture of national and world importance. This is one of the most impressive buildings in the ancient Philipopolis and has had a central place among the explored private buildings in the ancient town. Eirene operated in 3rd-4th century, and has probably been the residence of a prominent citizen of Philipopolis who professing the early Christianity. The building has two detached parts - a household and a representative one. In the representative part the premises were situated surrounding an inner yard with colonnade, and later – an apse with a mosaic floor was added to one of them. The representative character and the guests welcome nature of building is evidenced by the mosaic parts spread on an area of 160 sq.m and the inscriptions in them, as well as the big premise with female sculpture and the inscription EIPHNH. The female bust was made out with the opus vermiculatum tehnique. The inscription EIPHNH – Peace, points that this is the Greek goddess who personified peace representative mythology – Eirene, honoured by the central authority in Athens and Rome.