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Triumphal Arch

Artist: Unknown

Date: 400s

• This 5th century mosaic from the original church mostly survived the fire. The mosaic may have been redone around 800

• In the center, Jesus makes a Byzantine blessing. Above are the 4 gospel writers' symbols. On the sides, the 24 elders with crowns from Revelation, 2 angels, Peter, and Paul indicate his tomb below

• The inscription above reads: "Theodosius began [and] Honorius completed the building made sacred by the body of Paul, teacher of the world"

• The inscription on the arch: "Placidia rejoices that, as a result of Pope Leo's concern, the beauty of her father's work is again resplendent." This is noting Leo I's (440-461) restoration after a natural disaster

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