[Romulus]

As I understand it, certain churches (Romanesque?) built to house important relics were also commonly octagonal in design.

Martyria were frequently of centralised design, and vice versa. Though this may have had something to do with a cultural memory of circular pagan tumuli, the centralised design also lent itself to theological interpretation, as you've already indicated.

[ventana]

Thank you for a very intelligent article. V's wife.

[neocon]

Martyria were frequently of centralised design

Thank you, Romulus. I think the "centralized design" is what led to think "Romanesque." I always learn a great deal from you.