Bema

View looking from west to east at the most sacred area of the Basilica Church—the raised platform in the front (east end) of the church called the Bema—often called the chancel area.  This area is about 14 inches higher than the main floor of the nave and is approached by three steps and was marked off by a chancel screen.

At the rear of the Bema is a semi-circular apse that has a diameter of 29 feet and a depth of 14 feet.  There is a three-stepped synthronon for the clergy to position themselves on.

An almost square pattern on the floor in the foreground is where the altar stood.  Portions of the marble altar have been found and along one edge is a Greek inscription that reads "... of ... my grandmother and of Paula the grandmother of ..., ... of my family ((cross))."

The circular opening in the center of the altar footprint, is where water libations were poured.  It is connected to a drain in the street on the east side of the church.

The floor was composed of cut marble pieces (opus sectile) and the walls were covered with marble-facing stones.

---

This church is located in the northeast section of the city.  According to a sign at the site (= excavator's view?), it was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine (d. AD 337).  It was destroyed by an earthquake during the reign of Focas (r. AD 602-610).