Barberini Ivory

 
 

Procopius, On Buildings, 1.10.15-19: On either side are war and battle, and numerous cities are being captured, some in Italy, others in Libya. The Emperor is victorious through his lieutenant, the general Belisarius, who returns to the Emperor with his whole army intact, and offers him booty, namely kings and kingdoms and all things that are prized by men. In the center, stand the Emperor and the Empress Theodora...They are surrounded by the Roman Senate, one and all in a festive mood....They smile proudly as the offer the Emperor divine honors because of his achievements.