The goal is to

1. respond to the research question. Post your response directly in the discussion. As always, all work posted here is subject to verification at turnitin.com to uphold AAU standards on Academic Honesty and integrity at all times.

2. participate throughout the discussion, and post ideas, comments and insights and questions to your classmates that further the discussion and demonstrate your critical engagement with and understanding of course content.

Discussion Topic options: Pick one.

A. Patrons of art (how does art / architecture represent the patron Justinian?)

B. Cultural significance of Byzantium (how does art / architecture represent the cultural context of the Byzantine world?)

C. Symbolism associated with art / architecture addressed in this module. Pick a specific example and address its symbolic associations.

D. Architectural significance or innovations of architecture presented in this module. Pick a specific example and address its architectural significance or innovations.

E. Use of icons in the Byzantine world. What is the iconoclast period? What is the controversy at the heart of the iconoclast period? What does the term "iconophile" mean? Pick a specific example and explain how it is connected to the use of icons in the Byzantine world.

F. Significance of San Vitale, Ravenna. Why is this church in Italy when the seat of Byzantine power is now in Constantinople? Who was the Patron for San Vitale? Why was Ravenna such an important location? Explain.