Magi Before Herod the Great 1320

This mosaic of “Magi Before Herod the Great” decorates the Chora Church in Istanbul. Created during the late Byzantine era, it reflects a complex intermingling of faith, power, and cultural exchange. The image depicts the biblical story of the three wise men visiting King Herod, a narrative laden with political undertones. Herod, a ruler appointed by the Roman Empire, is portrayed receiving foreign dignitaries who threaten his authority with news of a newborn king. The mosaic renders Herod as the epitome of earthly power, while the Magi represent an alternative spiritual authority. Reflect on the position of the Byzantine artists who created this scene. Living in a society marked by imperial power and religious devotion, their work offers a commentary on the tensions between secular rule and divine promise. Consider how this image, crafted from countless tiny tesserae, assembles not just a biblical scene, but also a vision of power, belief, and cultural identity.