Byzantine

During the Byzantine era mosaics in church were very popular. This holds true for the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. In the apse of the church there on mosaics on the north and south wall. On the north wall is a mosaic of the Emperor Justinian and his courtiers and on the south wall is Empress Theodora and retinue. This shows that at least in royal marriage that husband and wife were seen as more equal. They both have their own mosaic on opposing walls and both of the mosaics are relatively the same size. This also shows that the church was a big part of marriage and life during this time since these mosaics are in one of the major churches built during this time.