183k views
1 vote
What can you infer about Justinian's reign from the people portrayed in the mosaic?

A. Justinian was a famous mosaic artist.
B. The mosaic depicts Justinian's family.
C. Justinian ruled during a period of cultural diversity.
D. The people in the mosaic are unrelated to Justinian's reign.

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The mosaic depicting Emperor Justinian and his attendants indicates that his reign was distinguished by imperial authority, religious significance, and military might, reflective of a period of cultural diversity and governance complexity. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the mosaic, we can infer that Justinian's reign was marked by a synthesis of imperial power, religious influence, and military strength.

The mosaic from Ravenna, Italy, depicts Emperor Justinian adorned in "royal purple"—a color exclusively reserved for the imperial family—indicating his supreme status. Surrounding him are figures from different facets of society including religious leaders and soldiers, which highlights the interconnectedness of church, military, and state during his reign.

This portrayal underscores Justinian's governance during a period of cultural diversity and sophistication, which is evidenced by the varied attire of people in the mosaic, the emphasis on religious devotion, and the army's integration into the symbolism of power.

User Bryan C
by
8.2k points