Empire

This symbolizes the growth in the Viking kingdom’s legitimacy and strength in the Early Middle Ages. Historical evidence suggests that a Viking law exacted greater retribution on those who stole from locked rather than unlocked spaces. The implementation of this law shows the centralization of judicial and enforcement authority in their kingdom.

This elaborate weight emphasizes the process of standardization and organization that surrounded the economic legitimization of an empire’s strength. As the Byzantine Empire grew, it created a standard system of weights and measures which correlated weight with hierarchy of the status of the depicted figures.

This bejeweled, elaborate creation was the utmost symbol of authority in the Holy Roman Empire. Just by wearing it, the Holy Roman Emperor was invested with the legitimacy of the ruler of the land. Its fantastic wealth, intricacy and the number of jewels on it bolsters the image of unique power that it creates.

This sculpture highlights how the changing perception of the mythical Wildman figure in 15th century Germany reflected growth in nationalism and Germanic cultural identity. Pulling away from the influence of Rome, they legitimized and embraced the Wildman, once considered base and uncivilized, as the noble and uncorrupted savage from whom they were rooted.

By placing his stamp on this Aurelian wall, Emperor Theodoric transmitted to it the supremacy of his rule. It showed any passer-by who was responsible for the maintenance of security and infrastructure in his empire, and legitimized his rule by consecrating it in writing.

Depicting the faces of three Byzantine emperors on this coin weight automatically transferred to it the power of the empire. It shows how pictorial representation of a figure of authority can create an aura of legitimacy around even a small object – exactly what is done with modern coins!

The detail and quality of this De Materia Medica legitimizes both the instructions that it contains, as well as the wisdom of the physician compiling the work. By providing substantive medical authority, it qualifies the advancement and success of the Abbasid Caliphate

Hardying’s chronicle of Scottish and British royalty shows the complications of legitimizing royalty in age of fluctuating political power. By writing down the geographical maps and genealogical trees, this manuscript provides legitimacy for those claiming kingship of a certain region.

This would be used to seal official documents, thereby legitimizing them with the insignia of the owner of the boulloterion. It emphasizes the need for standardized authorization in an age where there were many competing spheres of political power.

By carving the announcement of his consulship on an elaborate and delicate ivory diptych, Justinian legitimizes his authority through both its display of wealth, as well as by making the record of his power permanent and immutable.