Images

This fragment from the upper right corner of a sarcophagus portrays the head of a male Aethiopian (African) youth and a maenad. The piece dates to around the early 3rd Century CE and is a part of the Roman Sarcophagi Collection at the Metropolitan...

A 19th century CE painting by Benjamin-Constant depicting the triumphant entrance of Mehmed II, Ottoman Sultan, after his successful siege of Constantinople in 1453 CE.

A 15th-century CE bronze Ottoman cannon based on the design of those used in the siege of Constantinople in 1453 CE by Mehmed II.

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)