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The history of cathedrals starts in the year 313, when the emperor Constantine the Great personally adopted Christianity and initiated the Peace of the Church. The designation of a Cathedral is not dependant on the size or magnificence of the structure, but is entirely a matter of its assignment as the church which contains the seat of a bishop, thus serving as the central church of a diocese, conference, or episcopate. However, the cathedral is frequently the most imposing building, and one of the most ancient buildings in its town. The great size and splendor of the cathedral may be out of all proportion to the town itself, but the money and talents expended on the building are seen as honoring God, and may also demonstrate both the devotion and the status of the patrons. Cathedrals are very often oriented east/west, so that the worshipers look towards the rising sun, symbolizing the Risen Christ. The architectural form of the building most frequently has the ground plan of a cross. This form is both functional and symbolic, its symbolism referring to the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The form is liturgically functional as it allows the building to be divided into sections where different activities take place, or that are occupied by different people, such as the clergy, the choir and the laity