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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Exterior long shot of Sant' Apollinare. This church was constructed in 549 AD.

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".

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