East Hall Apse Detail

A detailed view of the raised apse of the East Hall—looking north.  In this photo, the variegated marble paneling is highlighted as are the marble pilasters here in the apse.

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The excavator believes that originally this was either the dining room of the house, or a designated space for women, and that it was later converted into a space for Christians to gather—thus "a Church."

The evidence for this being a "Church" seems to be based upon the findings of a Christogram and "the eyes of God" found in the "narthex" of this structure.  (My limited knowledge of this is based upon a sign at the site).

The "Peristyle House with Church" is located south of the Large/North Theater;  It seems to have been constructed in the 3rd-century AD and was destroyed in the earthquake during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Focas (AD 602-610).