Saint Maximianus | |
|---|---|
 Detail of Maximian in San Vitale, Ravenna | |
| Archbishop of Ravenna | |
| Born | 499 Pula, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
| Died | 556 (aged 57) Ravenna, Exarchate of Ravenna |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Feast | February 21 (East) February 22 (West) |
Maximianus of Ravenna, or Maximian (499 – February 22, 556; feast day formerly February 21) was bishop of Ravenna in Italy. Ravenna was then the capital of the Byzantine Empire's territories in Italy, and Maximianus's role may have included secular political functions.
Bishop Maximian, who served as the Bishop of Ravenna from 546 to 556 AD, was a key figure in the construction and decoration of the Church of San Vitale. Born around 499 AD in Istria, Maximian became the Bishop of Ravenna by the choice of Emperor Justinian. His image appears in the famous mosaic of the procession of Emperor Justinian and his entourage on the left side of the apse of the Church of San Vitale. Maximian was known for his dedication to the church and for completing the construction of the Church of San Vitale, as well as for his ivory bishop's throne, known as the Throne of Maximian.
This censer is invaluable due to its age and association with the period of Emperor Justinian. As part of the church inventory, it is a testament to the wealth and spiritual strength of the Byzantine Empire. Its bronze construction and decorations indicate high artistic value and the skill of craftsmen of that time.
The bronze censer from the period of Emperor Justinian is not just a liturgical item but also a symbol of the spiritual and cultural power of the Byzantine Empire. Its use in church ceremonies, along with its artistic craftsmanship, makes it an invaluable artifact that testifies to the rich history and tradition of Christianity in Byzantium. This censer, along with the mosaics in the Church of San Vitale, remains a lasting monument to the magnificent legacy of Emperor Justinian and his era. Its value today is estimated to exceed 3 million euros, further confirming its significance and priceless worth.