Triumphal Arch Mosaics Self-researched

Location: Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome
Medium: Mosaic
Date: c. 432–440

Biblical Context

Annunciation - Angel Gabriel announces to Mary she will bear Jesus. [Adoration of the Magi](../biblestories/AdorationOfTheMagi.md) - Wise men visit the infant Jesus. [Presentation in the Temple](../biblestories/PresentationInTheTemple.md) - Jesus presented to Simeon.

Mosaics on the triumphal arch depicting scenes from the infancy of Christ, including the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, the Massacre of the Innocents, and the Presentation in the Temple. Mary is depicted dressed as a Roman empress, reflecting the Council of Ephesus (431) declaration of Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer). Among the oldest monumental representations of the Virgin Mary in Christian art.