1.
THEODOSIUS THE GREAT was the first emperor to enforce orthodox
Christianity on his subjects, and the last to rule a united empire.
This silver plate represents him enthroned in majesty and flanked by
bodyguards and co-emperors while granting an official his letter of
appointment. Below, a female personification of the earth looks up to
the emperor in a submissive pose.
2.
A VANDAL NOBLE LEAVING HIS VILLA, from a mosaic (c. 500). According to a
Byzantine historian, 'The Vandals used to indulge in baths every day,
enjoyed a table rich in all things . . . and passed their time . . .
above all in hunting . . . all kinds of sexual pleasures were
practised among them.' Their decadence played a part in their rapid
conquest by the Byzantines in 533.