Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: apse mosaic

In Roman times Ravenna was a lagoon city surrounded by water, with at times up to 50.000 inhabitants. The second largest naval base of the Roman Empire was located here. In the late 5th century, Roman authority in the West dissolved, and Romulus Augustulus was deposed by the general Odoacer in 476. Odoacer ruled as king of Italy for 13 years, but in 489 the eastern emperor Zeno sent the Ostrogoth king Theoderic to reconquer Italy. After losing the Battle of Verona, Odoacer retreated to Ravenna, where he withstood a three-year siege. In 493, Theoderic finally took Ravenna and supposedly killed Odoacer with his own hands. Ravenna became the capital of the Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy. Theodoric died in 526 and various Ostrogothic military leaders took the Kingdom of Italy, but none was really successful. Meanwhile, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I opposed both Ostrogoth rule. In 535 his general Belisarius invaded Italy and in 540 conquered Ravenna. After the conquest of Italy was completed in 554, Ravenna became the seat of the Byzantine government in Italy. Under Byzantine rule, the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ravenna held second place in Italy after the pope and played an important role during this period. In 751 Lombard king, Aistulf conquered Ravenna, thus ending Byzantine rule in northern Italy. King Pepin of the Franks attacked the Lombards and Ravenna gradually came under the direct authority of the Popes. Pope Adrian I authorized Charlemagne to take away anything from Ravenna that he liked, and Roman columns, mosaics, statues, and other portable items were taken north to enrich his capital of Aachen. In 1198 Ravenna led a league of Romagna cities against the Emperor. After the war of 1218, the Traversari family was able to impose its rule in the city, but after a short period, Ravenna was returned to the Papal States in 1248 and again to the Traversari until 1275. One of the most illustrious residents of Ravenna at this time was the exiled Florentine poet Dante. In 1441 the city was annexed to the Venetian territories. The construction of the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare in Classe began under Bishop Ursicinus (officiating 533-536) and was consecrated by Bishop Maximian in 549. It is (like seven more churches in Ravenna) part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, which described it as "an outstanding example of the early Christian basilica in its purity and simplicity of its design and use of space and in the sumptuous nature of its decoration". The name in Classe comes from the ancient Roman city of Civitas Classis at the then (later silted up) port of Ravenna. The interior (55.58 × 30.30 m) consists of three naves separated by two rows of twelve columns each made of Greek marble with Byzantine capitals. The elongated church is not vaulted - as was common in late antiquity - but covered with wooden trusses; the original coffered ceiling is no longer preserved. The mosaic of the apse depicts of the Transfiguration. It is the first transfiguration depiction in which Christ is symbolized by a cross. Below the cross is a lush landscape covered in flowers with sheep and St. Apollinaris in the center. The bishop, dressed in a chasuble, raises his arms to heaven in prayer in the orant position. He is surrounded by 12 lambs representing the faithful following their shepherd. Find more photos from Ravenna in this album www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1330038

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. Below the Pantocrator Below the Pantocrator are are Mary flanked by angels and the apostles. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. The Pantocrator in the center of the apse. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù is centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. Below the Pantocrator are are Mary flanked by angels and the apostles. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. Above the Pantocrator are two angels and four six-winged seraphs. Below are Mary flanked by angels and the apostles. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. Facing east - the overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic, completed in 1148. As well there are impressing capitals along the aisle. It is a moment to stand and stare . . Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Milan is the city capital of the Lombardy and the second most populous city in Italy after Rome. Known during Roman times as "Mediolanum" it was the place, where in 313 Constantine I and Licinius met and "signed" the "Edict of Milan", giving Christianity a legal status within the Roman empire. At the end of the Roman empire Milan was besieged by the Visigoths in 402, looted by the Huns in 452, and taken by the Ostrogoths in 539. Only 30 years later is belonged to the Kingdom of the Lombards, until in 774 Charlemagne defeated the Langobards and added Milan to the Carolingian empire. During Barbarossa´s (Frederik I) "Italian Campaigns" Milan was taken and destroyed to a great extent. The "Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio" is much older and was not destroyed by Barbarossa´s troops. It is one of the most ancient churches in Milan, built by St. Ambrose in 379–386, outside the city of Milan on the site of a cemetery, where the martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The first name of the church was "Basilica Martyrum". Ambrose, born into a noble family about 340 in (present-day) Trier (Germany), was governor of Liguria and Emilia for two years before he became the Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. He was a staunch opponent of Arianism. Only very few traces of the first church can still be found, as in the centuries after its construction, the basilica underwent numerous restorations and reconstructions. The current Romanesque church, mostly built in brickwork, was begun around 1080. In 789, a Benedictine monastery was established here. The canons of the basilica, however, retained their own community. So two separate communities shared the basilica. In the 11th century, the canons adopted orders and became Canons Regular. From then on two separate monastic orders following different rules lived in the basilica. The canons were in the northern building, the cloister of the canons, while the monks were in the two southern buildings. The two towers symbolize the division in the basilica. The 9th century Torre dei Monaci ("Tower of the Monks") tower was used by the monks. However, the canons did not have a bell tower and were not allowed to ring bells until they finished the Canons' bell tower in the 12th Century. This tower got two additional levels in 1889. In 1943 the basilica got severely damaged by bombings. It took a decade to rebuilt and reconstruct the church. The large apse was built, when Angilberto II (+859) was bishop here. The mosaic was done at that time (but later "renovated"). Christ in Majesty flanked by martyrs Protasio and Gervasio and the Archangels Michael and Gabriele. Gervasio and Gabriele are on the right side - and not ti be seen from this pov. To the left a scene from the miraculous life of Saint Ambrose.

Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. Legends have it that Pope Callixtus I (217-222) had the church built and that it got remodelled later a couple of times. Pope Innocent II (1130-1143) had it rebuilt on its old foundations. Since then It has the present form with three naves, lintelled columns, apse and transept, created largely by materials gleaned from the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. As on Christmas Day the Community Sant'Egidio had invited to the wonderful "Pranzo di Natale" (see previous upload), the 12th century apse mosaic could only be seen from the side. The center has the "Coronation of the Virgin", what was pretty "modern" for that time (see "Senlis"). To the left is a "First Bath", that is a century younger.