Turnhout, Brepols, 2007 Paperback, 340 p., 500 b/w ill. + 18 colour ill., 220 x 280 mm. ISBN 9782503523873.
The larger part of this book deals with the monuments L. Kroushkova has studied archeologically since 1972. The book covers the territory of modern Abkhazia. In Late Antiquity and in the early Middle Ages four areas are distinguished in the Eastern Black Sea Coast Region: Lazica (South part), Apsilia, Abasgia. The coastline is connected to the North Caucasus via important passes (such as the passes of Klukhor, of Marukh, of Sanchar) in the gorges of the Abkhazian hinterland. Chronologically, the work deals with the period of the fourth to the XIV centuries. The author has gathered an impressive amount of iconographic material, most of it unpublished. Almost all the monuments that have come down to us are in a state of ruins, and most of these have been excavated. Only a few buildings have retained walls to the original height, and these buildings have usually been rebuilt, as for instance the basilicas of Tsandripsh and the aisleless church in Gagra. Well-preserved (including the dome) is the large church in Dranda. Apart from church ruins, the author separately examines architectural decoration. Some elements of church interiors were imported from Byzantine workshops on the island of Prokonessos. Local sculptors who used limestone or less frequently sandstone for reliefs and in some cases capitals were also involved. Floor mosaics are found uniquely in the basilica of Pityous. Languages: French.