timeline

The Parthenon

432 BCE

In Athens, built under the influential figure Pericles to thank Athena for Greek victory over the Persians.

Victory Monument in Pergamom

228 BCE

Built in honor of Celtic defeat, contains the statues of The Dying Gaul and the Suiciding Gaul.

Snettisham Torcs

50 BCE

150 BCE-50CE, made of intersecting spiral with extraordinary size and heft. Decorated with hatchings and dots

The Start of the Common Era

1 CE

Prima Porta Augustus

50

1st century statue of Augustus who is the first emperor of Rome, probably carved posthumously

Battersea Shield

50

1st century BCE-1st century CE, displays insular and late La Tene Style

Romano-Celtic Mirror

50

1st century BCE- 1st century CE mirror displaying La Tene Style and showing the spiral and trumpet theme within it

Trajan's Column

113

To commemorate victory in the Dacian Wars, a chronicle of Trajan's battle campaign in varying degrees of relief.

Column of Marcus Aurelius

193

In honor of victory over Germanic tribes, an imitation of Trajan's column.

Diocletian becomes emperor

284

Brings order to the empire brought into chaos by its size and the soldier emperors and establishes the tetrarchy

Porphyry Portrait of the Tetrarchs

300

Portrait of the 4 imperial rulers made from expensive purple stone, a testament of unity

Basilica in Trier

310

Built by Constanine in hi mother's birthplace, under archbishop Eggbert in Ottonian period, contained late antique wall painting of women dressed in the jeweled style

Arch of Consantine

315

In honor of victory over Maxentius in 312 where Constantine fights under the sign of the cross. Contains spolia from previous works.

The Founding of Constantinople

324

The old city of Byzantium made the new capital of the Roman Empire, renamed Constantinople

Constantine's Column

330

Stood in the center of the forum, made from porphyry and adorned with religious imagery mixed with propaganda.

Old St. Peter's

360

Basilica type church built over St. Peter's tomb in Rome by Constantine.

Roman legions leave Britain

400

After about 400 years of occupation starting from the 1st century

The Sack of Rome

410

Rome is attacked by the Visigothic leader Alaric sending shock waves through the world.

Traprain Law Treasure

450

Found in Scotland, contains coins from times of turmoil and 53 pounds of silver from all over the empire.

Mildenhall Treasure

450

Found in England, 4th century goods in Roman silver

St. Patrick returns to Ireland

461

He is compelled to return by a dream after escaping slavery there. Converts people as a bishop and founds monasteries.

Childeric's Tomb

481

Discovered in Tournai, the grave goods for the Frankish king Childeric, Clovis' father. The items are influenced by Rome, influential to French culture.

The Senigallia Medallion

493

It's dating coincides with the beginning of the rule of Theodoric. Similar to Roman imperial portraiture with some 'barbarian' influence.

Domagnano Treasure

500

Ostrogothic 5th-6th century treasure found in Italy, contains stylized jewelry and equipment made of gold and garnet.

Church of St. Genevieve

500

Initially built by Clovis in dedication to St. Peter and Paul, but later is adapted by St. Genevieve who is considered the protectoress of Paris. Her cult takes over after her burial in the church.

Clovis converts to Catholic Christianity

508

Mausoleum of Theodoric built in Ravenna

526

An engineering marvel in the shape of a decagon at its base and a circle above, contains the names of the 12 apostles around.

The Cisterns of Justinian

530

Underground, sometimes called a basilica in homage to the Stoa basilica above it

Nika riots in Constantinople

532

Fighting between two factions turns against the emperor with the introduction of new taxes. Half the city is destroyed with many dead.

Church of Hagia Eirene

532

Doesn't contain any pictures, very stark white and toned down. It's main feature is the cross in the middle.

The Church of Hagia Sophia

537

Erected by Justinian at enormous expense, an iconic building. After its construction Justinian claims 'Solomon, I have outdone thee'

The Church of St. Vitale

547

In Ravenna, a centrally planned Byzantine church with an octagonal structure. Contains a mosaic program of heavy imagery and basket capitals.

St. Augustine Gospels

550

6th century manuscript in Latin, depicts the stories of the 4 evangelists. Depicts a general flattening of style.

Visigothic eagle fibula

550

6th century brooches found in Spain worn to fasten cloaks and utilizing zoomorphic forms with different jewels and cloisonné technique

Sant'Appolinare reconsecrated by Justinian

561

First consecrated by Theodoric in 504, a complex program of imagery in mosaic.

The Lombards invade Italy

568

Invade under the leadership of Albain and recover a lot of the land taken from the Ostrogoths by Justinian.

King Reccard renounces Arianism

587

In Visigothic Spain, Reccard aligns with Rome and proclaims the kingdom Catholic, is met with fierce opposition

Monza Cathedral

595

Theodolinda commissions a church in honor of John the Baptist and becomes its patroness, sends expensive gifts.

Mission to Anglo-Saxons in the British Isles

597

Sent by Pope Gregory from Rome, headed by a monk called Augustine.

The Cathach of Columba

625

An early manuscript, it is a Psalter which contains the 150 psalms in Latin translation. Contains embellished initials and Celtic design.

Abbey of Jouarre

630

Merovingian burial vault of a monastery for women, founded by Abbess Theodechilde. Reuses Roman columns and capitals as well as building technique.

Staffordshire Hoard

650

Found in 2009 at the intersection of two old Roman roads, largest cache of Anglo-Saxon metalwork found to date.

Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

656

A collection of grave goods believed to have belonged to King Raedwald, a Christian buried ancestorally. Contains Celtic, Byzantine, and Germanic influenced items.

San Juan de Banos

661

Dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It is said that the king of Visigoths, returning from a victory gets sick and is made better by the waters near the site, this is considered to be a miracle and commemorated in the church

Council of Whitby

664

Celtic and Roman Christianity is reconciled, the Roman traditions take over.

Guarrazar treasure

675

Late 7th century treasure, contains hanging crowns and crosses. The jeweled style of Byzantine and Rome captured by artisans in open work.

The Book of Durrow

680

Latin manuscript which displays a pattern of carpet pages, evangelist symbols, and initials A mélange of Celtic, Germanic, and Mediterranean influence.

San Pedro De La Nave

681

contains a horseshoe arch and sculpture in the Germanic mode, shows continuity in Visgothic art

Lindisfarne Gospels

700

made by the Bishop of Lindisfarne Eadfrith in dedication to St. Cuthbert, abstract art, contained later Old English translations

Codex Amiatinus

700

An Italian manuscript, the earliest surviving complete manuscript of the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible.

The forces of Islam enters Spain

711

In 7 years, all but a little of Spain is the North is taken by the army of Tariq ibn Ziyad, non-Muslims required to pay the jiyza

Stonyhurst Gospels

725

Early 8th century manuscript, the earliest preserved leather binding from the Latin West

Ratchis Altar

744

Commissioned by Duke Ratchis who is the king of the Lombards in 744. Displays the abstraction in Germanic figural art.

Gelasian Sacramentary

750

Merovingian and Gaelic liturgical book, inspired by Frankish metalwork and technique

Canterbury Codex Aureus

750

Copy of Italian manuscript mixed with British tradition, inscription in Old English claims it was bought back by an Anglo-Saxon couple after the pagan Vikings took it during a raid

The Merovingian dynasty is overthrown

751

A palace coup is staged by Pepin the Short, the mayor of the palace. The Carolingian dynasty begins.

Gundohinus Gospels

754

Merovingian, amateur effort, doesn't fit the artistic tradition of representing the Gospels, zoomorphic initials, uses capitalis rustica.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

755

Records historical events of the Anglo-Saxons, commissioned by Alfred the Great

Oratory of Santa Maria della Valle

760

Contains statues of female saints, made from stucco. Displays the absorption of classical tradition. In the Lombardic city of Cividale.

The Lombards are conquered by Franks

774

The kingdom is integrated into Charlemagne's empire

Gellone Sacramentary

775

8th century manuscript, inspired by Persian and Byzantine silk, start of the figure initials

Godescalc Gospels

783

Mixes the orders of the Bible, made for queen Hildegard and Charlemagne to honor the birth of their son. Takes from artists all over.

Works begins on the Mosque of Cordoba

785

By the Ummayad Emir of Cordoba, reused Roman and Visigothic columns and capitals, expanded in its later life

Charlemagne's Palace

790

Centrally planned and octagonal, contains west work, inspired by Old St. Peter's and the Exarch's Palace in Ravenna.

Charlemagne crowned emperor in Rome

800

Crowned by Pope Leo III, revives the Western Roman Empire. An inspiration to many leaders to come.

Soissons Gospels

800

Made in Aachen, distinct transformation of iconography: more realistic and Romanized, uses late antique motifs

Coronation Gospels

800

Luxury purple manuscript, a very different style of soft dramatic lighting and 3D atmosphere, shows Carolingian adaptation of British initial letters

In Praise of the Holy Cross by Rabanus Maurus

814

Contains figured poems which are very calculative and difficult. Poetry that appeals to the ear and to the eye.

The Plan of St. Gall

817

Depicts an ideal monastery, made by Gozbert: the Abbot of the monastery of St. Gall in Switzerland. Never made into actuality.

The Utrecht Psalter

830

Illustrates the words of the psalms, highly metaphoric and likely made in Reims, monochrome with brown ink and rapid line drawing

Oseberg Ship Burial

834

A Norwegian royal burial of a youngish high born woman and an old one, possibly her maid. Depicts detailed interlace and zoomorphic carving

Ebbo Gospels

835

Made in the style of Reims, with frenzied brushstrokes and excited style, contains animated and lively imagery of columns on Canon Tables, some similarity to the Coronation Gospels

Grandval Bible

840

In Carolingian minuscule, continuous narrative which contains four full pictures placed next to meaningful places depicting the history of salvation

Durrow High Cross

850

9th century cross found in the monastery of Durrow, very characteristic, a ritual point for procession

San Julian de los Prados

850

9th century chapel, interior wall paintings contain no images of living creatures.

Charlemagne's Ewer

850

Carolingian pouring vessel, once thought to have contained jewels from Charlemagne's wars with the Avars, its enamels come from the Near East

Gotland Memorial Stones

850

Commemorates the dead with images from Nordic mythology and the Pantheon of Asgard

Offa's Dyke

850

Giant linear earthwork commissioned in the 8th century by Mercian king Offa, follows the border between Wales and England, indication for ambitions for power

Anglo-Saxon reliquary cross

850

10th century walrus tusk ivory cross with gold leaf and filigree wire depicting the 4 evangelists in enamel around the T-shaped body of Jesus

Drogo Sacramentary

851

Ivory covers depict scenes from the liturgy in an unusual cycle, characteristic to Metz style, contains historiated initials and gold decorations

The Repton Stone

875

Late 8th century relief of equestrian figure from St. Wynstan's church, carries distinctive saxe sword

Alfred Jewel

875

Piece of tear-shaped crystal with enamel depicting a figure holding two sticks, contains gold decoration and inscription which claims Alfred ordered it to be made

The Fuller Brooch

875

Late 9th century silver and niello brooch that depicts the five senses with sight in center. Because of the similarities of the depiction of sigh on this brooch and the Alfred Jewel some people have suggested the jewel actually depicts sight.

Gokstad Ship Burial

900

The ocean going vessel that served as the grave of a local chieftain who was killed in battle, contains goods such as beds, a tent, a sleigh, and various animals such as horses and dogs.

The Leon Bible

920

Abstract, depicts the gospels, resemblance to Frankish-Merovingian manuscripts

Athelstan Psalter

925

Small Carolingian manuscript given to King Athelstan, for personal devotion, contains all the signs of the zodiac, illuminations were added in by his court

Madinat al-Zahra

940

The administrative center of al-Andalus, destroyed after 80 years, had spolia capitals and columns, similarity to Cordoba in distinct motifs and designs

Morgan Beatus

945

Probably created for San Miguel dela Escalada by artist Magius, contains commentary on the Book of Apocolypse

Wall paintings of the Church of St George in Reichenau

950

Originally built 724, basilica style, contains surviving wall paintings from the Ottonian era, very close to what was made in manuscripts of Reichenau

Leon Bible of 960

960

Colophons included in the bible, depicts Goliath and the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, similar to the bible of 920

The mihrab of the Cordoba Mosque is begun

961

Voussoirs cusped into the arch, stucco work, mosaic work with Quranic verses on the ceiling

Otto I crowned emperor in Rome

962

Revival of the Roman empire in different territories, beginning of the Holy Roman Empire

Casket for the daughter of Abd Al Rahman III

962

Made of elephant ivory, could have hold ointments, precious objects etc., includes an inscription

The rune stone of Jelling

965

Commemorates military victory and religious faith. Erected by kind Harald in the memory of his parents, depicts living Christ in a cruciform nimbus, surrounded by vines.

New Minster Charter

966

Ushers in reform in Winchester and the golden age for Anglo-Saxon art supported by King Edgar

The Benedictional of St. Athelwold

971

A lavish book of prayers in Winchester style with gold frames, foliage, and linework.

Marriage Document

972

Between Otto II and Theophano, speculated to have been made by Gregory Master

Sandal reliquary of St. Andrew

977

A speaking reliquary, gives a hint to what kind of relic is inside, commissioned by Egbert of Trier

Madonna of Essen

980

Golf leaf on wooden core, revival of free standing sculpture, oldest statue of the Virgin and child

Circular fortress in Trelleborg

980

Earthwork built under the reign of Harald for protection

Ivory Plaque with Otto II and Theophano

982

Christ blesses the marriage between the king and Byzantine princess, similar to an earlier Byzantine copy

Harley Psalter

1000

A copy of the Utrecht Psalter in Anglo-Saxon style with colored ink.

Gospels of Otto III

1000

Made in Reichenau, demonstrates the life of Christ in 4 cycles and Otto himself, more image than writing, decorative and distinctive

Year 1000

1000

Time of great fear with many worrying about the coming of the Apocalypse. This fear manifests itself within art styles.

The column and doors of the Church of St Michael

1015

Basilica style church, its doors depict Old Testament and New Testament scenes opposing each other, the column is an imitation of Trajan's column and depicts the public ministry of Christ

Hitda Codex

1020

Made by the abbess of Meschede, made in Cologne style with big brushes and a lot more liquid paint, shows emotion

Egbert's Codex

1024

A soft style, made for the archbishop of Trier, seven miniatures in it are drawn by Gregory Master

Codex Aureus of St. Echternach

1030

Contains ivory and enamels, silver gilt over wood, impressive bindings

The Battle of Hastings

1066

The Normans take over England under the leadership of William the Conqueror after the death of Edward the Confessor.

Bayeux Tapestry/ Embroidery

1075

11th century work depicting a continuous narrative of the Norman conquest in 1066 showing the history and pre-history of the battle. It is stem stitched.

Synagogue in Toledo

1180

Jewish people live in relative tolerance in Visigothic and Muslim Spain, contains horseshoe arches, complex and geometric capitals with light dark effects