Question

Christians adapted the Roman basilica and used it for public worship. Where in their churches did they place the altar? at the apse at the atrium at the nave at the narthex

Answer 1

Nave is part of the church, the basilica where the people stood during the religious service, while the narthex is the front entrance of the basilica, the front room before entering the nave. The altar was in the apse which was facing the east, opposite to the entrance of the basilica on the west side. Altar is the place where the sacred ritual was performed, in the apse of the semi-spherical shape.

The answer is: at the apse.

Answer 2

The basilica was typically placed at the apse. This was the location in which the elders and clergy led their services. The altar was placed at the eastern end of the construction and the apse typically has a semicircular shape.