1. Chapter Seven: Early Christianity: Ravenna and Byzantium

3. The Decline of Rome Constantinople : “new” Rome Council of Nicaea
Geographic advantages
Council of Nicaea
Arian Controversy

4. Literature, Philosophy, and Religion Augustine of Hippo
Bishop of Hippo (390)
Augustinian Premise
Absolute majesty of God
Immutability of God’s will
Flawed state of the human condition
The City of God
Linear history
Confessions
Autobiography, self-reflection

5. Literature, Philosophy, and Religion Boethius
Classical paganism + Christianity
The Consolation of Philosophy
Issues of human freedom
Praevidentia vs. Providence
Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine

6. Byzantium Constantinople Justinian and Theodora
Restoration of the Empire
Western Silk Industry
Revised / Codified Roman Law
Tribonian
Code, Pandects, Institutes
Christian fanaticism
25+ churches and convents

7. Church of Hagia Sophia Unified basilica and dome
Pendatives
Ethereal light
Divine Liturgy of St. Chrysostom
Converted to mosque (post 1453)

8. 7.3 Hagia Sophia, 532-537. Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey

9. 7.4 Interior of Hagia Sophia

10. Ravenna: Art and Architecture
Roman+Gothic+Byzantine
Mosaics of Galla Placidia
Lunettes, apse, dome
Trompe l’oeil
Neonian Baptistery
Octagonal
Mosaics as “theology in color”

11. 7.6 Christ as the Good Shepherd, 5th century, Lunette mosaic, Mausoleum of Galla Placida, Ravenna, Italy

12. 7.7b Baptisteries of the Orthodox and Arians. Ravenna, Italy
7.7b Baptisteries of the Orthodox and Arians, Ravenna, Italy. Cupola mosaics, Ravenna, Italy//Both images © Scala/Art Resource, NY

13. Ravenna: Art and Architecture
Arian Baptistery
Severely decorated
Passion/Resurrection of Christ
Church of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo
Theodoric’s palace church
Basilica style
Rich mosaics (Roman and Byzantine)

14. 7.8 Church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, ca. 493-526. Ravenna, Italy

15. 7. 9 Miracle of the loaves and fishes
7.9 Miracle of the loaves and fishes. Mosaic from the uppermost register of the nave wall, above the clerestory windows, Church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy

16. Church of San Vitale Octagons, dome, squinches Program of mosaics
Christ Enthroned
Justinian as Christ on earth (paten)
Theodora with chalice

17. 7.10 Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

18. 7. 11 Christ enthroned, with Saint Vitalis and Bishop Ecclesius, ca
7.11 Christ enthroned, with Saint Vitalis and Bishop Ecclesius, ca Ceiling mosaic, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

19. 7. 12 Emperor Justinian and courtiers, c. 547
7.12 Emperor Justinian and courtiers, c Mosaic, north wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy//Image © Cameraphoto Arte, Venice/Art Resource, NY
7.12 Emperor Justinian and courtiers, ca Mosaic, south wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

20. 7. 13 Empress Theodora and retinue, c. 547
7.13 Empress Theodora and retinue, c Mosaic, south wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy//Image © Cameraphoto Arte, Venice/Art Resource, NY
7.13 Empress Theodora and retinue, ca Mosaic, south wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

22. Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai
Built by Justinian
Repository of art and culture
Codex Sinaiticus
Vast collection of religious icons

23. 7.15 Aerial view of the fortress of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, 6th century. Sinai Desert, Egypt

24. 7. 16 Christ Pantocrator, ca. 500-530
7.16 Christ Pantocrator, ca Encaustic on wood panel, 32” x 27” (84 x 46 cm). Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai Desert, Egypt
7.16 Christ Pantocrater, c. 500–530. Encaustic on wood panel. 32˝ x 27˝ (84 x 46 cm). Monastery of Saint Catherine, Sinai, Egypt//Image © The Art Archive/Gianni Dagli Orti

25. The Legacy of Byzantine Culture
Influence on Russian Culture
Italo-Byzantine Style
Theological conservatism, aesthetic stability (iconography)
Reinfusion of Greek culture
Greek refugee scholars
Classical learning in the Renaissance

26. Chapter 7: Discussion Questions
Explain the difference in worldview between Augustine and Boethius. What issues were principal to their philosophies? Where did their ideologies overlap? Diverge?
What role did the iconoclastic controversy play in the arts of Constantinople and Ravenna? In light of this controversy, what is the significance of the findings at Saint Catherine’s monastery?
Reflect on the reciprocal relationships between the Byzantine culture (art, religion, politics) and other cultures. What did the various cultures “share” with one another? What is the legacy of this relationship?