Ravenna, Italy was an epicenter for early Christian artwork. Multiple mosaics have been located throughout the city in various churches and mausoleums. In the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the mosaics Christ as the Good Shepherd and The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence have similar themes. Both figures have circular, sun-like shapes around their heads and are holding crosses, which symbolized a holy figure in Roman art. Neither figure have beards which is a Grecian influence to depict them as more heroic figures. Many mosaics found throughout Ravenna have Jesus wearing purple, which is symbolic of royalty. The only other figure we see fully clad in purple is Emperor Justinian in a mosaic at the Church of San Vitale. Curiously, in a mosaic at Sant’
