San Vitale
The church of San Vitale, in Ravenna, Italy, is one of the most important surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and mosaic work. It was consecrated in 547 CE under Imperial rule and completed soon after. The mosaics date between 546 and 556. See the Khan Academy video about it and to see the art in context.
Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It3i-dKusIM&feature=youtu.be
Emperor Justinian
Key works of Byzantine Art and Architecture were created under the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. To capture the essence of this period in its historical context, watch this video about Emperor Justinian and his wife, who he proclaimed Empress Theodora.