An account of the churches, or places of assembly, of the primitive Christians from the churches of Tyre, Jerusalem, and Constantinople described by Eusebius : and ocular observations of several very ancient edifices of churches yet extant in those parts : with a seasonable application / by Sir George Wheler ...

CHAP. III. Observations on Eusebius his Description of the Church of Tyre. (Book 3)

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. The Outward Court, in the midst of which the Temple stood. This I suppose was Square or Oblong, according to the form of the rest of the Temple. Whether it was open or to shut, with an Outward Gate or Gates joyned to the Wall, Euse∣bius does not mention; but un∣doubtedly it was adorned with Entrances proper to the Place, and proportionable to the Magnificence of so great a Work; and was either so Low, or with such open Work, as might give a Prospect of the Front to all that passed by it; i. e. By the Street or High-way;

as Eusebius affirms, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Passing by the former Entrances; which the Translator not observing seems to confound them with the Magni∣ficent 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Vestibulum or Porch he speaks of.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. This undoubtedly was a Great, High and Magnificent Build∣ing, and a considerable distance from the outward Entrance; be∣cause he saith expresly, That not only those that were standing afar off might by it behold what was within, but also those that cast but their Eyes that way, as they run by the first Entrances. So there∣fore I shall place it in the Scheme or Plane of it, I am to delineate. But with what kind or manner of Architecture it was Built, Beauti∣fied and Adorned, Eusebius hath left scope for Phantasie to work, but no Pattern for the present De∣scriber to Copy. But as to the Situ∣ation

it was towards the Sun-Rising, as I take it, to him going towards it.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. But taking a Large Space, as be∣tween the Temple and first Entrance. This again the Translator does not express exactly as it should, but by missing 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, renders the whole ob∣scure, and seems to confound the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and this inward Cloyster enclosed with a Portico, as fol∣lows:

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The Perimeter of which he Adorned Transversis Porticibus, i. e. ad se invicem trans∣versis, with Portico's built Cross∣ways to each other, so as to enclose the Place in the form of a Square. That is, This Square Court was enclosed at the four Sides with covered Walks, we call a Cloyster.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Inter columnia, as the Translator rightly translateth it; i. e. The Spaces between the Pillars were enclosed with Wood, of a proportionable height, wrought in the form of a Net. That is, a kind of Latice-work to look through into the Court, to have a sight of what was there, without entring into the Place.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Fountains opposite to each other towards the Front of the Temple. These I suppose were two Fonts for Baptism; and were placed at each hand in the open Court, enclosed with the Cloyster, one on the Right hand, and the other on the Left; as one went through the Vestibulum into that Court, to∣wards the Church or Temple it self; which must needs look very stately. There are two very fine Fountains placed in this manner in the Court before St. Peter's Church at Rome.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Pluribus aliis adhuc Porticibus interioribus aditus ad Templum fecit. He made the Entrances into the Tem∣ple with yet more inward Porches. I suppose this Cloyster met up to the Front of the Temple, which was Adorn'd, Beautified and En∣larged with several other Ranks of Pillars between it and the Doors of the Temple. As that of San∣cta Sophia at Constantinople is; and indeed every considerable Church among the Ancients had such a Porch or Pronaos, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. As that at Corfu, built by the Em∣peror Jovian: That at Troas, if it was a Church, and at the Covent of St. Luke under the Helicon, built by the Emperor Romanus. Thô they seem to be much lesser than this of Tyre, by Eusebius's Pompous description.

This therefore as I have ob∣served it in Ancient Buildings, I shall accommodate to Eusebius his Description.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. To this Porch Eusebius joyns three Doors on the same side; one great one in the middle, and two lesser on each hand. This exactly agrees with that great Building at Troy; which has three great Arches remaining at the Front of the Building. That in the middle is much bigger, than those that are on each hand. These three Doors led into three Divi∣sions of the Church, made by the two Ranks of Pillars, or four great Supporters of the Cupalo in the midst.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. If I understand this right, there were three Cloysters, if not four to this Temple; One in the Front, which he had before described, and two others, at each side of the Temple one. Which must needs make the

whole very Magnificent and Glo∣rious; yet 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, seem to me more than on both sides of the Temple. I should rather translate it, On each side of the whole Temple. And then there must be also one at the East end; and so the Symetry is full. But this would make an extraordinary difference in the Scheme from other Churches, that are now extant. For if so, it might probably have four Doors at East, West, North and South; which none of those Ancient Churches, I ever saw yet extant, will permit me to be posi∣tive in.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. On high above these Portico's he contrived several Windows, to let in much Light into the House, &c.

This shews that these Portico's were of a moderate height; so that Windows might be made above them, and also that they

were on one side contiguous to the Sides of the Temple.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Ipsam verò aedem Regiam, The Royal Edifice, i. e. The Church: For so we shall find the Famous Churches (Cathedrals especially) often named by Eusebius and others.

Ensebius gives us not a perfect Platform of this; so that we must be forced to Collect from others to make up this Defect. Eusebius leaves us at the Entrance of the three great Doors, which were it seems at three sides, if not four. If at four sides, then the Platform must be an exact Square, with a great Cupalo, or Dome in the middle, sustained by four great Pilasters, as that of Jovian at Corfu; which to my best Remembrance hath but four Pilasters sustaining the Cu∣palo; and I think Sancta Sophia, at Constantinople hath no more. But if it was an oblong Square,

then I suppose there were more Pillars between those that held up the Cupalo and the great Doors. I shall suppose this to be an exact Square; because of the equal Number of Cloysters and Doors at each side.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, With Thrones on high, or in the highest or chiefest place. Where, or how these Thrones were placed in this Church, Eusebius his Rhetorical Style renders difficult to deter∣mine. If he means in the Highest or Chiefest place, it must be at the Eastern-side of the Church, under the half Cupalo making a Semi-circle. As there are several in Greece, remaining to this Day. As at Athens, in the Temple of Minerva: At Prossia, in the great Church turn'd into a Mosque: And as Monsieur Grelot describes it in Sancta Sophia at Constantinople. But if there were Doors and Cloy∣sters on each of the four Sides,

this could not be. And he must only mean Altissimis Thronis, as the Translator understands it▪ If so they must be placed under the Circle of the great Cupalo, which was separated from the rest of the Church with Latice work of Wood, wrought most curiously with va∣rious Figures.* 1.1 For this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Synthronon (as it was also called) was placed within the Sacred Place towards the Eastern End, against the Wall. But here it was placed probably only near the Latice Se∣paration, which kept off the Peo∣ple every way, and was placed in the middle.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c

At last he placed the Holy of Holies, the Altar in the middle; which he made every way inaccessible to the Multitude, by a Separation of Wood, &c.

So that if he means by the Middle, the middle of the whole Church, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 must be about it. And, as I believe▪ in a Semicircular form, as I have seen it; only with this difference, That in those it is against the Wall at the East End; but here a Space was left between it and the East Wall without it, as between it and the South, North and Western Entrances, for the ••ate••umenoi to come and hear the Word of God; Either at the several great Doors, or a little within them.

So I shall place the Altar in the Middle, under the great Cupalo; which I conceive was separated from the rest of the Church by Cancelli, or open work of Wood, curiously carved and wrought in various Figures and Flowers. And and at the Eastern side of this Circle I shall place the Thrones, or the Synthronon; because it was the General use of the Primitive

Christians to Worship God towards the East: And in figure like that remaining at Athens, which is thus: Three large Degrees or Steps of White Marble, one above ano∣ther, in a Semicircular form; high enough to sit upon, and broad enough for the Feet of those sit∣ting above, and for the Seat of those sitting thereon beneath. Upon the uppermost Step, is a large Chair of beautiful White Marble▪ in the middle of the Seg∣ment, alone against the Window, which I suppose was for the Arch∣bishop. The uppermost Step, I suppose, was for the Bishop's Collegues, when they met upon Consecrations of Bishops, Synods, &c. as the Ancient Canons ordain; and the next for the Presbyters: For that they use to sit with the Bishops is evident from Zonaras, on the LVIII. Apostolick Canon. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c

For this Reason it is Ordained,* 1.2 That the Bishop sit on a Seat on High in the Holy Place, to shew the Duty of his Office, to look down upon the People committed to their Charge from above, and narrowly to watch, observe and over∣see them

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c,

There also the Presbyters are commanded to assist the Bishop, and fit with him, that they also from these High Seats may be induced with Prudence to inspect the People, and to instruct them, as given to be Fellow Labourers to the Bishop.

From whence we learn not on∣ly, That the Bishop and Presbyters sate together on High Seats or Thrones; but also that this was placed within the Holy Place, he calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which plainly in this place signifies not the Altar,

or Holy Table; but the Place where it stood: Thô sometime it signifieth no more.

And so 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Eusebius may (for ought I see) be understood. And if so, then the placing of it in the Middle of this Church becomes necessary: But it must be acknowledged, that this place and the Holy Table are indifferently called by the same Name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in such places as the sence distinguisheth them.* 1.3 And this Holy Place was called also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, either from the Steps ascending to it, or the De∣grees that were placed in it; And was ordinarily the most remote place and part of the Church to∣wards the East, as I shall shew afterwards. But in this Famous Church of Tyre, it seems to be placed in the Middle of the Church under the great Cupolo also, by its being 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,

every way separate from the Vulgar by Latice of Wood.

From this Passage of Zonaras we are also inform'd, that from hence the Bishop and Presbyters use to Preach and instruct the People; which may also be proved by several others as great, if not greater Authorities. And so the pla∣cing of it here in the Middle was most convenient for a great Multi∣tude of Auditors, to stand round about him; the Faithful nearest, and the Katechumenoi and Penitents next to them. So therefore I will place it in this Scheme of the Church of Tyre.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

What these Exhedrae and great Edifices were, I find the Learned Valetius is at a stand to deter∣mine: He supposeth they were the Baptistory, or place where they used to Baptize; or Secretarium,

the Vestery; Salutatorium, or the Place to keep the Sick in, an Hospital. Indeed in several Anci∣ent Western Churches, I have seen the Baptistory by it self a distance from the Churches, as at Piza and Spalato; but I never saw it in the Eastern. Besides Eusebius speaks of them, as the two Fountains in the Inner-Court or Cloyster; which he calls 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Symbols of holy Cleansing or Purifying. He also assigns the use of them, to wit, for Mansions for those who have need of Baptism, and those that have need of Expi∣ation; to wit, the Katechumenoi, who staid there for to Study and to have Instruction; and the Penitents, who staid there, to intreat the Church for Absolution, and to do the Penance appointed by the Canons of the Church.

But some of these Buildings indeed might be assigned for Hos∣pitals for the Poor and Sick; and

especially for Ancient Widows for whom the Ancient Church had all the Care and Veneration ima∣ginable.

I do not doubt, but among these also were Apartments for the Ministers attending the Divine Service and Prayers Night and Day; if not for the Bishop him∣self: Such as are mentioned by Eusebius, to be annexed to the Portico about the Church of the Apostles at Constantinople; to wit, Palaces Baths, Lodgins for Stran∣gers; and several other Necessary places, for the use of those that kept the Temple; that is, the Ministers thereof, which were built to the Cloysters.

The Placing of these (as near as I can guess) was parallel to the Great Vestibulum or Porch on each side; and from thence in a single Row, or in two Quadrangles, to joyn up to the Basilico or inward Temple. For so he makes them on the one part to be joyned to

the Basilico, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And at the other to the Gates of the Middle Edifice: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. I have made them therefore to fill up the vacant Angles, between the Courts on each hand; so that they might have Doors into the several Cloysters, or Portico's to the Tem∣ple; as Eusebius seems to intimate before, when he saith, Those Cloy∣sters were a convenient Habitation, for those that yet had need of the first Institution or Instruction.

Whether the other two Spaces at the East End were filled up with Buildings, is not certain; but to fill up the Beauteous Symetry, he every where expresseth, I am apt to believe, they were either for Houses for the Ministers, or Hospi∣tals for the Poor, Sick and Wi∣dows.

And now I think every one must needs confess, That they never saw any thing more Beauti∣ful, Magnificent and Uniform than this Primitive Cathedral of Tyre; which was built immediately, as soon as they had either Capacity or Liberty to do it. And we read of no Murmurers, that envyed the costly Devotion of those Pious Bishops and People bestowed on GOD their Saviour and Mighty Redeemer: Nor were they by any charged with Superstition (either upon that or any other account) in that Glorious Age of the Church.

[illustration]

The Plane of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

[illustration]

Notes

• * 1.1

  See Dr. Be∣veridg. An∣not. in Can. Nicen. XI. sec. 14.
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.3

  See Dr. Be∣veridg. ibid. N. 12.