The synthronon is the semi-circular raised seating in the apse. The highest ranking ecclesiastic was of course the bishop who sat and preached from his throne. Beneath him were the elders, the deacons, the acolytes, and ...

Altar shown in the nave of Sant' Apollinare. Note the typical early altar with stone legs but now with a box for the relics of the martyr directly under the table top.

The high altar in St. Paul's is directly above the sarcophagus of the martyr which is signified by the sloping mensa above the tomb.

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

Progression in the veneration of martyrs now begins to bring the remains of the martyr from a catacomb beneath the high altar into the church itself. Here we see the very early form of the altar/table with four stone legs ...

The altar elevated above the sarcophagus of the martyr clearly visible from the nave of the church.

The adoration of the Magi above the high altar was painted by Giacinto Gimignani 1634.

Close up of the left panel of the Altar

An excellence example of Baroque decoration.

Altar frontal by Luigi Capponi