The mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora are an important part of Basilica of San Vitale. These mosaics are made of small pieces of colored glass and stones.
Justinian San Vitale's church is unique because of its octagonal shape.
Two famous mosaic's exist of Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire. One is located in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy and another in the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, also in Ravenna.
saint sophia
The San Vitale church in Ravenna is approximately 55 meters long and 34 meters wide.
On one wall of the choir of San Vitale in Ravenna, built for Justinian and consecrated in AD 547, the emperor stands with crown and a golden halo. The Arian cathedral built for him in the early 6th century also survives (under its new name as the Roman Catholic church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo), and some of its mosaics are from his period
Justinian San Vitale's church is unique because of its octagonal shape.
San Vitale Byzantine church
You can see what Justinian I looked like in a portrait of him on a mosaic at the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna (Italy)
Justinian and his attendants
The mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora in San Vitale serve to reinforce the divine right of rulers and the unity of church and state, showcasing their authority and piety. Similarly, modern political leaders often use official portraits, public monuments, or digital media to convey their image and reinforce their legitimacy and connection to national identity. These contemporary representations, like the mosaics, aim to inspire allegiance and convey power, often blending personal and political narratives.
Two famous mosaic's exist of Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire. One is located in the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy and another in the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, also in Ravenna.
saint sophia
The San Vitale church in Ravenna is approximately 55 meters long and 34 meters wide.
The most famous ones are the Hagia Sophia Church in Constantinople (now Istanbul) and the church of San Vitale in Ravenna.
San Vitale is located in Ravenna, Italy. It is a historic church known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics.
octagonal
The mosaics of Justinian and Theodora in the Church of San Vitale depict the emperor and empress flanked by clerical figures, illustrating the close relationship between religious and political authority in the Byzantine Empire. The mosaics emphasize the idea of theocracy by showing the rulers receiving divine approval and legitimacy for their reign from the church. The images convey the concept that the emperor's power is derived from God and that the church plays a central role in supporting and sanctioning his rule.