Abstract

This study considers the synthronon and episcopal throne in the Byzantine churches of Greece, installations that were utilised during the Byzantine period, but which do not necessarily date to that period. Variations of the synthronon and episcopal throne occurred over the years, which justifiy a typological classification. Similar installations must have still been in use in the Middle Ages, as the sources cited testify. One can furthermore deduce distinct functions from their position, which was not always in the main apse. The synthronon and episcopal throne cannot only be attributed a priori to episcopal churches, although they are often found in episcopal cult buildings. They belong to the tradition of late Antiquity, even if they do appear in new constructions with new functions.