In St. Lorenzo with the joining of two ancient churches we have another demonstration of bringing the martyr into the church, visible for all to see (ca. 579 AD). Church of St. Lorenzo fuori le mura.

Long-shot of nave and apse with original mosaics dating to the time of Justinian. Note that in the center of the nave is an altar. This ancient altar is in the north African position.

Side view shot of altar and nave in Sant' Apollinare.

It was Constantine who began the first church above the grave of the apostle-martyr Paul. Facade of San Paolo rebuilt after the fire in the 19th century to 'replicate' the original.

Constantine's son Constantius II enlarged San Paolo to its present size. Nave and apse of San Paolo fuori le mura.

The nave and apse of St. Fosca. Note the iconostasis separating the nave and the sanctuary.

Ruins of the basilica of Saint Cyprian in North Africa with the remains of an altar in the center of the remains of the nave. Note that in this very traditional basilican form (five isle basilica), the altar is located in ...

The ancient Duomo di Torcello (Dome of Torcello) was built approx 1000 AD. Basilica to the left of the campanile.

Close-up on inscription on the side of the reliquary box in the altar in the center of the nave of Sant' Apollinare. The inscription reads, "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of your faith".

Enshrined is the grave of St. Peter with marbles that can yet be seen in the Clementine Chapel. Marble with vertical porfary stripe behind altar in the Clementine Chapel in the crypt below the high altar in St. Peter's Basilica.