The Roman world underwent a dramatic transformation as a result of its Christianization beginning in the fourth century. The objects displayed here represent the shifts in meaning that occurred as symbols and materials typically associated with the Roman emperor merged with symbols of Christianity to create a new visual paradigm.
Exhibit Items
Roman, 240–244; bronze; 38 mm, 57.27 g. BZC.1948.11
Late Roman, early 4th century; porphyry; 16.3 × 13 × 12.6 cm (6 7/16 × 5 1/8 × 4 15/16 in.). BZ.1963.5
Late Roman, 288–296; gold; 5.104–5.564 g.
Late Roman, 293–295; gold; 34 mm, 27.0 g. BZC.1950.5
Early Byzantine, 4th–6th century; terra-cotta; 18 cm (7 1/16 in.). BZ.1959.49
Early Byzantine, 4th–6th century; gold, rock crystal; 3 cm (1 3/16 in.). BZ.1964.12
Early Byzantine, ca. 7th century; gold; 2.3 cm (15/16 in.). BZ.1956.27