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.