The artistic changes in time the Western Society from Roman times to the time of Carolingian Empire are no exception. These creative differences that occurred during such times make it effortless to notice and understand the changes that were taking place. As a result, the alterations in society can be understood from the Roman Empire to the time of Charlemagne, just by observing some of the artwork from these times

The Roman Empire was a definite milestone for the advancement of knowledge and civilization.

The historian Edward Gibbon in his classic book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire declared that Rome had at last experienced a "period the history of the world during which the condition

Nevertheless, there is one major distinction between the two compositions. The artistic approach of Trajan's Column is quite different then that of Augustus at Prima Porta. This is because

Such feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction that were present during this time were so evident in many artworks. The art of this era was majestic, romanticized, and idealistic. The Romans wanted to celebrate the magnificent Empire by paying homage to their important leaders and events.

The church was modeled after the Church of San Vitale, from sixth century Ravenna. "The plan was based on the octagonal contours of San Vitale, and its marbles and mosaics found here a new home (Fleming, 159)." What divided the Church of San Vitale from the Imperial Chapel is not just the difference of two hundred years. San Vitale is much more sophisticated and elaborate than the Imperial Chapel. This is because there was not any architectural structures like this before the ruling of Charlemagne.

Christianity was made an official, legal religion in 313 AD, by Constantine. When this happened, marble tombs (sarcophagi) were created forming a "link between pagan Roman and early Christian art (Fleming, 123)." The Sacrophagus of Juius Bassus is a definite indication of the melding of the Roman world with the Christian religion. One major factor that is quite evidential is that all the people portrayed (with the exception of the nude Adam and Eve) are dressed in traditional Roman clothing, togas. A further exhibition of Roman style in this piece, is the appearance of the figures. All of the images have physical similarities to the previously discussed Augustus at Prima Porta. In other words, they are classical and realistic in the facial features and body structure; both are characteristics of typical Roman artwork.

One of the first lights to shine through the prevailing darkness was in the form of a kingdom of the Franks of the Rhine valley. The Franks...were Christians faithful to the Popes as bishops of Rome, and they took over much of the Roman system of government (Fleming, 158).

Rome had departed from Hellenistic precedents in addition to absorbing all the useful arts and ideas from the entire Mediterranean world, including Rome's own Estrucean and early heritage. When all these influences and devices had been taken into account, a special synthesis was developed by which the architects, sculptors, and writers achieved a unique Roman style (Fleming 97).

The Lombards invaded Italy and the Roman Popes turned to the Franks for support. The Popes wanted an affiliation with the Franks in support for the intervention against the Lombards.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1986
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)