Ambo (2)

Ambo

Something in the nature of an ambo or desk, no doubt, was in use from a very early period. Bunsen (Basiliken des christlichen Roms, p. 48) expresses his opinion that the ambo was originally movable. In the earlier centuries much of the Church furniture was of wood, and the ambones were probably of the same material. Wherever a presbyterium, or chorus cantorum, existed, an ambo was probably connected with it, being placed usually on one side of the enclosure. Where no chorus existed, the ambo was probably placed in the centre.