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sanctuary
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sanctuary

The holiest area of a place of worship; also a place of refuge from persecution or prosecution, usually in or near a place of worship. The custom of offering sanctuary in specific places goes back to ancient times and was widespread in Europe in the Middle Ages.

Ancient history

The ancient Hebrews established six separate towns of refuge, and the Greek temple of Diana at Ephesus provided sanctuary within a radius of two stadia (about 434 m/475 yd). In Roman temples the sanctuary was the cella (inner room), in which stood the statue of the god worshipped there.

Current Christian usage

In a Christian church, the sanctuary is the presbytery or portion of the church reserved for the clergy.

In the Middle Ages criminals or the hunted could take refuge for 40 days, then opt for safe passage out of the country.
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