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'The mosaics represent biblical scenes first and foremost. That's their purpose in the given context. Drawing parallels to contemporary events – on a fairly general level even – seems rather artificial, to be honest.'
Lupianus- However, we know of several Late Roman authors who composed their historical works in a highly classising way, Claudian and Heliodorus immediately spring to mind.
Adrian Coombs-Hoar
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All of them compose their works in a highly classicizing manner. Priscus and Jordanes both model theirs on Herodotus, except Jordanes goes so far as to butcher actual history in order to do so.
But art is a different matter. However, it would not be the first case where biblical events are being used to depict contemporary ones in Roman art. After all, in the Arch mosaics the figures are modelled after the Imperial Family (Theodosius II is certainly shown, and Jesus and Mary are probably the child-emperor Valentinian III and Galla Placidia).
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The difference between say Ammianus and Claudian is that Ammianus wrote a history which you could easily identify the characters portrayed, whilst Claudian composed his works as a story which you had to use clues to identify who and what was being discussed.
Adrian Coombs-Hoar
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I think the point being made was that although they may be biblical scenes the figures portrayed appear to be wearing contemporary clothing and armour, with the odd quirk here and there. This does not resolve the issue around the strange, two-coloured armour with the shoulder piece question however.
Adrian Coombs-Hoar