Medieval Church Research Paper

church with a focus on the center. This was unusual in comparison to the basilicas which had a nave and a structural shape resembling a cross. Although the exterior may seem bland, the interior is blanketed with magnificent mosaics that survive from the early Medieval period. A mosaic is a picture formed by embedding small pieces (tesserae) of stone or glass in cement on surfaces such as walls and floors. The east side of San Vitale covered in dense mosaics. Above the apse, a mosaic portrays Christ seated on the orb of the world. Christ is dressed royally in purple. Below the globe are the four rivers of paradise and angels are located on both sides of Christ. Above the altar of San Vitale, there is an image of the Lamb of God – Christ.
The mosaics are of Justinian and Theodora, emperor and empress of the Byzantine Empire. Although they never visited Ravenna, they are in the mosaics to reassert their control over the city. At one point, Ravenna was under the control of Theodoric, the Ostrogoth king who ruled Italy from 493 – 526. He was an Arian – did not follow orthodox doctrines of the church. Arians believed that Christ was subordinate in the hierarchy of the Trinity because he was a creation of God. In Arianism, Christ was not co-equal with God the Father as in Orthodox Christianity. Justinian sent troops to reconquer Ravenna and conquer Italy. This would reestablish Orthodox Christianity belief in Ravenna. This would also portray the imperial of control of Justinian from Constantinople. At this time, spiritual power went hand in hand with political power with the power of the Emperor. Justinian wears purple, which is associated with the throne, in the mosaic on the north wall of the apse and is surrounded by his court and religious figures and soldiers. This represents the three centers of power: church, emperor, and
Theodora ruled as a co-equal with Justinian. She is wearing purple in this mosaic and also has a halo, similar to Justinian, which speak to the divine origin of her authority. Justinian holds a bowl that contained the bread for Eucharist and Theodora has the chalice for wine which is also for the celebration of the Eucharist. She is surrounded by attendants that symbolize imperial court. The representation of elaborate Byzantine costume depicts an attempt to bring the richness of the Imperial court in Constantinople to