On my way to Holyhead this morning I listened to an episode of Radio 4's A History of the World in 100 Objects. The subject of this episode was a fourth century mosaic from a Roman villa in Dorset depicting Jesus. - the Hinton  St Mary Mosaic. It is dated circa 350 AD and is presumed to be an early example of such a depiction of Jesus, since prior to 312 (when Constantine was 'converted') very few images of Jesus were created - if any.

The interesting thing about this particular mosaic was that it was found among many other mosaics and images in this villa. But these other works of art were not Christian images but rather pagan - depicting some of the main Roman gods. In this particular home at this time, therefore, Jesus was but one god among many - no greater nor less than any of the other divinties worshipped by the family.

This, of course, was typical of the Christianity supported by Constantine. He was the one, after all, who made the pagan weekly festival - Sunday - into a Christian day of worship and who decided that 25 December - a major pagan festival day -  was to be Jesus' birthday.

If you have fifteen minutes to spare why not listen to this episode and learn a little more about how syncretism became a hallmark of the empire church.