EMPEROR VALENTINIAN I(?)

Dated from the fourth century CE and found at Barletta, Italy, the image shows the Roman Emperor Valentinian I(?) holding two symbols. An orb, or sphere that represented the earth, is held in his left hand, while in his right he holds a Christian cross.

Points to Ponder:

-- Were the cross and the orb symbols of authority during the Roman Empire?
-- Why would a Roman Emperor be holding a Christian cross?
-- Why would an emperor be holding something that represented the earth?
-- Do these symbols indicate the responsibilities that late Roman Emperors had?
-- Do you think that this sculpture successfully told people who was in charge?

Source: Pierre du Bourguet, Early Christian Art, trans. Thomas Burton (New York; Reynal & Company, 1971): 139.

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