San Vitale

What was a main achievement of Theodora?

• Passed laws protecting women

• Converted to Christianity

• Ruled when Justinian was sick

• Divided the Roman Empire

What was the primary purpose of the Justinian and Theodora mosaics in the Church of San Vitale

• To teach biblical stories to illiterate churchgoers

• To document historical events of the time period

• To showcase the artistic skills of Byzantine craftsmen

• To demonstrate imperial power and divine authority

1. What is the primary material used in Byzantine mosaics?

• Clay pieces

• Marble blocks

• Glass tesserae

• Painted ceramic tiles

What symbolic meaning did peacocks primarily represent in early Christian art?

• Military strength and power

• Pride and vanity

• Immortality and resurrection

• Material wealth and luxury

What symbolic meaning did early Christians attribute to dolphins in their artwork?

• Symbols of earthly wealth

• Representations of evil spirits

• Guides for souls to salvation

• Symbols of war and conflict

In Christian art and symbolism, what does the grapevine primarily represent?

• The decorative traditions of medieval churches

• The agricultural practices of ancient times

• The connection between Christ and his followers

• The wealth and prosperity of the church

What purpose did the modified capital designs at San Vitale serve in early Christian architecture?

• They reduced construction costs

• They were purely structural improvements

• They emphasized secular Roman traditions

• represents the transition from Classical to Byzantine

What does Justinian's pose in the mosaic suggest about his role?

• He is a common citizen

• He is both a political and religious authority

• He is a religious leader

• He is a military commander

How does the mosaic portray Theodora's status compared to Emperor Justinian?

• As a religious figure only

• As an equal ruler

• As more important

• As less important

What historical period was the San Vitale mosaic created in?

• 3rd century

• 6th century

• 9th century

• 12th century