Justinian: Did you mean...?

The stag and the snake mosaic: In some ancient texts, the stag is seen as a rival to the snake. It can also draw a snake out of its hole with its breath. The deer was a symbol of fertility and the animal of Artemis. The stag is illustrated...

Herdsman milking a goat: An old bearded shepherd is milking his goat and a boy is holding a milk jug. This scene reflects pastoral life. Period: Early Byzantine, circa 6th. century CE. Place: Constantinople, (Modern Istanbul, Turkey). Great...

Belisarius may be this bearded figure on the right of Emperor Justinian I in the mosaic in the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, which celebrates the reconquest of Italy by the Byzantine army under the skillful leadership of Belisarius. The...

Mother and the dog: A mother is breastfeeding her baby. The scene is a representation of Isis with her child Horus. A dog on the left of the woman is looking at her with its raised head. Period: Early Byzantine, circa 6th. century CE. Place...

Located across the Hagia Sophia Museum, Yerebatan Sarayi is also known as the Basilica Cistern because of a basilica that was once located nearby as a cultural centre. It is the largest surviving underground cistern of Istanbul. Fatih Cistern...

The Monkey as a Bird-Catcher: The monkey under a date tree is holding a long stick in his hands and trying to catch birds. He has a wooden cage on his back with a bird on it. Monkeys are known to have been used in some chores. Period: Early...

Remnants of Theodosios' Hagia Sophia. A lamb relief representing 12 apostles. 5th. century CE, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. The first name of the Church was ‘’Megale Ekklesia’’ which means ‘’the Grand Church’’. The first Hagia Sophia...

The tigriss-griffin: This tigriss (female) Griffin has two horns and wings and a wild look on its face. Crimson drops of blood come out of its mouth. Period: Early Byzantine, circa 6th. century C.E. Place: Constantinople, (Modern Istanbul...

Two children are seated on a dromedary. One of them wears a wreath around his head and is holding a bird in one hand and reins with the other hand. There is also a guide in front of them. Period: Early Byzantine, c. 6th century CE. Place...

Reconstructed southern section of the Cardo Maximus of Jerusalem. Paved and lined with columns, the Cardo Maximus was the main road that ran through the Roman and Byzantine city and also served as the center for the local economy. This portion...