My Photos: Italy -- Mosaics -- Ravenna -- Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia Early 5th Century AD Ravenna, Italy Aelia Galla Placidia was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I.  She was born in Constantinople, 392 AD, and died in Rome, 450 AD.  Historians believe she had this mausoleum built during her lifetime.  The mausoleum holds 3 sarcophagi, one of which is believed to contain either the remains of her son, Emperor Valentinian III or her brother, Emperor Honorius.  Another sarcophagus contains the remains of her husband, Emperor Constantius III.  Historians are unsure whether Galla Placidia's remains were ever deposited in the third sarcophagus, the contents of which were burned in the 1500s. Symbols of the 4 Evangelists float in the starry sky. Matthew -- Angel Mark -- Lion Luke -- Ox John -- Eagle Christ as the Good Shepherd This scene possibly depicts St. Vincent of Saragossa The entire domed ceiling is covered with mosaic smalti, much of it 24c gold All photos are copyright protected property of  Brenda Pokorny unless otherwise noted. If you would like permission for use, please contact me.