The conversion to Christianity of the Emperor Constantine in the fourth century AD was an event of profound political and cultural importance. Christina figurative art, which had its roots in Greco Roman civilization, was transformed by the magnificent painting, architecture and craftsmanship that flowed from the new capital of the Byzantine Empire. This superb survey of Christian art from the fourth to the twelfth century contains 95 full colour illustrations of treasures from both East and West gold and silverware, ivories, illuminated manuscripts, sarcophagi, frescoes, mosaics and churches – all testifying to the genius of Christian craftsmen and artists in the glorification of their God.