the earliest known diocesan synod took place in 1216, according to jacobus de varagine, immediately after the return of bishop otto from the fourth lateran council. the bishop explained to his clergy what had been decided, and ordered the decisions of the council to be observed. the earliest known provincial synod took place in the cathedral of s. lorenzo in 1294, according to jacobus. the remains of s. syro, the alleged first bishop of genoa, were solemnly recognized and enshrined beneath the altar of s. lorenzo.