constantine. I. The Life of Constantine. II. The Oration of Constantine. III. The Oration of Eusebius · The Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine, by Eusebius Pamphilus · Chapter XXXVII
Description of the Double Porticos on Either Side, and of the Three Eastern Gates
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Besides this were two porticos on each side, with upper and lower ranges of pillars,3268 corresponding in length with the church itself; and these also had their roofs ornamented with gold. Of these porticos, those which were exterior to the church were supported by columns of great size, while those within these rested on piles3269 of stone beautifully adorned on the surface. Three gates, placed exactly east, were intended to receive the multitudes who entered the church.
Notes
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Whether this means two series, one underground and one above (Molz. and many), or not, is fully discussed by Heinichen in a separate note (Eusebius, vol. 3, p. 520-521).
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[These inner porticos seem to have rested on massy piles, because they adjoined the sides of the church, and had to bear its roof, which was loftier than any of the rest.—Bag.] Translated by Molz. "Quadrangular supports." "In Architecture a cubic mass of building, to serve for bearings."—Liddell and Scott.
Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II, Volume 1, ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace (1890–1900). Public domain. Text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.