ravenna opposite a series of martyrs there s a series of holy virgins that individual expressions are not important but the series and the number. sixteen prophet stand above them which signifies twelve plus four and the fact that they are placed above the virgins and the martyrs expresses their place in the hierarchy and they re all thora the within christendom . even higher up scenes portraying christ s passion even this position denotes hierarchy order here in revenge of the hierarchy is formulated and translated into a system of images. the beginning and end of this mural are reserved for the key figures of holy scripture mary and christ. they are positioned formally alongside each of them are two angels that look out directly on the view of. the angels all the courtiers full body guards of