The five "Apostolic Sees" in the traditional understanding of the Christian Church (particularly relevant in discussions of early church history and the development of papal authority) are:
1. Rome: Founded by Saint Peter (considered the first Pope) and Saint Paul. It held immense prestige due to its connection with these apostles and its location in the capital of the Roman Empire. It is the most prominent and historically significant Apostolic See, and the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) claims primacy over all other bishops based on the Petrine doctrine (Matthew 16:18-19).
2. Alexandria: Founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist. It was a major center of learning and theological development in the early Church, particularly known for its catechetical school and prominent theologians.
3. Antioch: Founded by Saint Peter (initially) and later by Saint Paul and Barnabas. It was a crucial early center of Christianity where the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26).
4. Jerusalem: The location of the first Christian community and the site of Jesus's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. It was considered the "mother church" of Christianity. James the Just (traditionally considered the brother of Jesus) was the first Bishop of Jerusalem.
5. Constantinople: While not founded by an apostle in the same way as the other four, it rose to prominence as the "New Rome" after the Roman Empire moved its capital there. It was recognized as an Apostolic See because Saint Andrew the Apostle was considered the founder of the Church of Byzantium (the city upon which Constantinople was built). Its importance grew significantly after the legalization of Christianity and the holding of ecumenical councils there.
These five Sees held special status and authority in the early Church, and their bishops were particularly influential in matters of doctrine and governance. They formed a pentarchy, a model of church government that emphasized the leadership of these five major centers.
Note that the understanding of the relationship and authority among these Sees has varied throughout history and remains a point of difference between the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches, as well as within various Protestant denominations.
The Catholic Church recognizes the primacy of the See of Rome, while the Eastern Orthodox Church views the five Sees as having equal authority (with Constantinople traditionally holding a "first among equals" position until the Great Schism).