It was located opposite the entrance, slightly raised by one or more steps, thus corresponding to the part called the "pretorium" of the ancient pagan basilica, and usually terminated in a semicircular, rectangular, or polygonal apse. At the back of the apse was placed the bishop’s cathedra, with simple stone benches to the right and left for the priests (deacons never sat but stood in attendance). The altar rose in front of the cathedra beneath the arch called the "triumphal" arch of the basilica. From the Middle Ages, when the high altar was moved closer to the wall and thus took the place of the cathedra, the area immediately before the altar—the space where the sacred services were conducted—was called the presbytery. To the left, known as the *cornu Evangelii*,
