Images

A fresco depicting the siege of Constantinople in the 7th century CE, although the presence of canons clearly indicate it is based on the final and fatal siege of the city in 1453 CE. From the Church of Moldovita, Romania.

A 15th century CE portrait by G. Bellini of Mehmed II (r. 1451-1481 CE), Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and conqueror of Constantinople in 1453 CE.

The Seraphim Mosaic, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. Around the Pantocrator mosaic from the 9th century CE which was on the central dome. The "seraphim’’ are depicted in red.

A gold coin depicting Byzantine emperor Leo IV (r. 775-780 CE) on the right and his son and successor Constantine VI (r. 780-797 CE) on the left. (Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com)

An 11th century CE illustration of the Seventh Ecumenical Council which decreed the end of iconoclasm in the Byzantine Church, in September 787 CE. Emperor Constantine VI (r. 780-797 CE) is depicted sitting immediately right of the central...

An illustration from a 12th century CE manuscript depicting Thomas the Slav besieging Constantinople 821-823 CE. (Madrid Skylitzes, National Library, Madrid)

A gold coin depicting Byzantine emperor Michael II (r. 820-829 CE) and his heir and successor Theophilos. (Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com)

A map illustrating Byzantine Constantinople and the Golden Horn.

Zvartnots is the oldest and largest aisled tetraconch church in historical Armenia. It was built in the middle of the 7th century CE, under the instructions of the Catholicos Nerses III (r. 641-661 CE).

Zvartnots is the oldest and largest aisled tetraconch church in historical Armenia. It was built in the middle of the 7th century CE, under the instructions of the Catholicos Nerses III (r. 641-661 CE). It was partially reconstructed in 1905...