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Admission hours
May 19
Victoria Day
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3rd Tuesday Nights Free
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Breadcrumb

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  4. Byzantium

Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of
Byzantium

Location

Level 3,
Byzantium
3
ROM Map Level 3

Admission

Included with admission
Free for Members—Learn More
Book Tickets
A person pauses to examine an object in a case. A person pauses to examine an object in a case. Byzantium

Location

Level 3,
Byzantium
3
ROM Map Level 3

Admission

Included with admission
Free for Members—Learn More
Book Tickets

When Istanbul was Constantinople.

The dedication of Constantinople (now Istanbul) by the Emperor Constantine I in AD 330 began a new phase in the history of the Roman Empire. Power gradually shifted towards the eastern Mediterranean, and a new empire emerged. The people of this empire thought of themselves as Roman, but later historians have called it the Byzantine Empire – named after Byzantion, the original town at Constantinople. The Byzantine Empire was crucial for the early history of eastern Christianity. It was here that the Orthodox Church was founded and continues to flourish to this day.   This gallery encompasses the centuries from the dedication of Constantinople, through the fall of the classical Roman empire and the Medieval Crusades, to its final conquest by the Ottoman Turks. The exceptional objects on display illustrate the interwoven influences from many different cultures and highlight the continuing legacy of Byzantium. 

About the Gallery

What?

Over 230 artifacts in themed displays that include State and Church, Pilgrimage, the Orthodox Church, Jewellery, Glass work, Coins, Imagery, and Trade and Commerce. 

Where?

The Mediterranean and the Middle East centred on Constantinople, present-day Istanbul in Turkey. 

When?

AD 330 – 1453

Explore More
Search the ROM's online collections

Gallery Highlights

The ROM's Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery showcase over 200 artifacts including jewelry, floor mosaics and figurines. Exceptional objects in the gallery illustrate the interwoven influences from many different cultures and highlight the continuing legacy of Byzantium. The ROM's Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery showcase over 200 artifacts including jewelry, floor mosaics and figurines. Exceptional objects in the gallery illustrate the interwoven influences from many different cultures and highlight the continuing legacy of Byzantium. Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of Rome and the Near East/Level 3

A woman in a gallery of Byzantium collections, looking into display case, her reflection is in the glass.

01
One of the ROM's most significant recent acquisitions is a rare 1st century AD ciborium (altar canopy) found in the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of Rome One of the ROM's most significant recent acquisitions is a rare 1st century AD ciborium (altar canopy) found in the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of Rome Ciborium, altar canopy (limestone) about 500-600 AD on display in the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of Rome and the Near East

looking up at the ceiling through the top of 
a ciborium

02
Ornate jewelry and church frescoes are showcased, such as this 7th century gold belt buckle. Ornate jewelry and church frescoes are showcased, such as this 7th century gold belt buckle. 994.220.33 Belt buckle, (cast gold), Byzantine, 7th century

Overview of a cast gold buckle on a dark blue background

03
Icons, devotional images of a deity, holy person or sacred event, were extremely popular in Byzantium. Orthodox icons in the Byzantine style continue to be produced to this day Icons, devotional images of a deity, holy person or sacred event, were extremely popular in Byzantium. Orthodox icons in the Byzantine style continue to be produced to this day View in the ROM's gallery of Rome and the near East, Greek and Roman

View in the gallery showing cases with sacred holy artwork 

04
Orthodox Christianity was central to Byzantium's culture and artistic traditions. This silver reliquary casket dates from AD 500 – 600, ceremonial religious objects. Orthodox Christianity was central to Byzantium's culture and artistic traditions. This silver reliquary casket dates from AD 500 – 600, ceremonial religious objects. 986.181.62.2, 986.181.62.1 Reliquary casket, (silver), Byzantine, 6th century

Overall studio shot of a silver container with lid on a grey background

05

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