How did Byzantine church mosaics represent the hierarchy of the universe?

In Byzantine church architecture, the arrangement of mosaics functioned as a visual representation of the Christian cosmos, transforming the interior into a microcosm of the universe. This "classical system" of decoration utilized the building's structure to establish a clear hierarchy of divine and earthly realms.12

• The Celestial Realm: At the highest point of the central dome, the mosaic typically featured a colossal bust of Christ as Pantokrator (the All-Ruler), signifying his position as the ruler of the universe.12
• The Heavenly Host: Surrounding the base of the dome or positioned in the upper zones were representations of angels, archangels, and prophets, acting as intermediaries between the divine and the lower spheres.12
• The Holy and the Human: Below these, on the walls and in the sanctuary, were figures of the Virgin Mary and various saints. The lowest realm of the church was reserved for the congregation, placing the worshippers within the same space as the divine imagery.12

This integration of architecture and mosaics ensured that the church functioned as a unified, symbolic image where the hierarchy of the universe was reflected in the vertical distribution of figures.12