Ravenna, Mausoleo Di Galla Placidia 425

This is a detail of a Byzantine mosaic from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy, dating back to 425. The mosaic features the Chi-Rho symbol, an early Christian symbol that combines the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek, along with a cross. The use of gold tesserae (small pieces of glass or stone) creates a dazzling visual effect, typical of Byzantine art, and symbolizes the divine light. This intricate and beautifully preserved mosaic is a testament to the skill of Byzantine artisans and the enduring power of early Christian symbolism.