romikgosai/squad_modified huggingface dataset:
In parts of Italy, which were under eastern artistic influences, like Sicily and Venice, mosaic making never went out of fashion in the Middle Ages. The whole interior of the St Mark's Basilica in Venice is clad with elaborate, golden mosaics. The oldest scenes were executed by Greek masters in the late 11th century but the majority of the mosaics are works of local artists from the 12th–13th centuries. The decoration of the church was finished only in the 16th century. One hundred and ten scenes of mosaics in the atrium of St Mark's were based directly on the miniatures of the Cotton Genesis, a Byzantine manuscript that was brought to Venice after the sack of Constantinople (1204). The mosaics were executed in the 1220s.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Which area in Italy besides Sicily did mosaic art not go out of fashion in the middle ages?
A: Venice', "
Q: Which church in Venice is decorated with elaborate golden mosaics?
A: St Mark's Basilica", "
Q: When were the oldest scenes in St. Mark's mosaics completed?
A: the late 11th century", '
Q: The majority of the mosaics in Venice were created by who?
A: local artists', '
Q: When was the sack of Constantinople?
A: 1204']
Other important Venetian mosaics can be found in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello from the 12th century, and in the Basilical of Santi Maria e Donato in Murano with a restored apse mosaic from the 12th century and a beautiful mosaic pavement (1140). The apse of the San Cipriano Church in Murano was decorated with an impressive golden mosaic from the early 13th century showing Christ enthroned with Mary, St John and the two patron saints, Cipriano and Cipriana. When the church was demolished in the 19th century, the mosaic was bought by Frederick William IV of Prussia. It was reassembled in the Friedenskirche of Potsdam in the 1840s.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Where is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta?
A: Torcello', '
Q: When were the mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta built?
A: the 12th century', '
Q: Where is the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato located?
A: Murano', '
Q: Who purchased the 13th century mosaic from the the San Cipriano Church?
A: Frederick William IV of Prussia', '
Q: Where did Frederick William IV relocate the mural he purchased?
A: the Friedenskirche of Potsdam']
The Abbot of Monte Cassino, Desiderius sent envoys to Constantinople some time after 1066 to hire expert Byzantine mosaicists for the decoration of the rebuilt abbey church. According to chronicler Leo of Ostia the Greek artists decorated the apse, the arch and the vestibule of the basilica. Their work was admired by contemporaries but was totally destroyed in later centuries except two fragments depicting greyhounds (now in the Monte Cassino Museum). "The abbot in his wisdom decided that great number of young monks in the monastery should be thoroughly initiated in these arts" – says the chronicler about the role of the Greeks in the revival of mosaic art in medieval Italy.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Who hired Byzantine experts to decorate a rebuilt abbey church?
A: The Abbot of Monte Cassino', '
Q: After what time did the Abbot of Monte Cassino send for Byzantine mosaicists?
A: 1066', '
Q: What animal was on the only surviving mosaics created by the greeks at the rebuilt abbey?
A: greyhounds', '
Q: Where are the only remaining greek mosaic panels now kept?
A: in the Monte Cassino Museum']
Sometimes not only church interiors but façades were also decorated with mosaics in Italy like in the case of the St Mark's Basilica in Venice (mainly from the 17th–19th centuries, but the oldest one from 1270–75, "The burial of St Mark in the first basilica"), the Cathedral of Orvieto (golden Gothic mosaics from the 14th century, many times redone) and the Basilica di San Frediano in Lucca (huge, striking golden mosaic representing the Ascension of Christ with the apostles below, designed by Berlinghiero Berlinghieri in the 13th century). The Cathedral of Spoleto is also decorated on the upper façade with a huge mosaic portraying the Blessing Christ (signed by one Solsternus from 1207).

Questions and answers:
["
Q: What was special about St Mark's Basilica in Venice?
A: façades were also decorated", "
Q: When was the latest addition to the facade at St Mark's Basilica in Venice?
A: from 1270–75", '
Q: the Cathedral of Orvieto has a mosaic facade, done first in which century?
A: the 14th', '
Q: The Cathedral of Spoleto is signed by who?
A: Solsternus', '
Q: the Basilica di San Frediano in Lucca has a large golden mosaic facade depicting which figure?
A: Christ']
Only scant remains prove that mosaics were still used in the Early Middle Ages. The Abbey of Saint-Martial in Limoges, originally an important place of pilgrimage, was totally demolished during the French Revolution except its crypt which was rediscovered in the 1960s. A mosaic panel was unearthed which was dated to the 9th century. It somewhat incongruously uses cubes of gilded glass and deep green marble, probably taken from antique pavements. This could also be the case with the early 9th century mosaic found under the Basilica of Saint-Quentin in Picardy, where antique motifs are copied but using only simple colors. The mosaics in the Cathedral of Saint-Jean at Lyon have been dated to the 11th century because they employ the same non-antique simple colors. More fragments were found on the site of Saint-Croix at Poitiers which might be from the 6th or 9th century.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What proves mosaics were used in the early middle ages?
A: scant remains', '
Q: Where is the Abbey of Saint-Martial?
A: Limoges', '
Q: When was the crypt of the Abbey of Saint-Martial re-discovered?
A: the 1960s', '
Q: What was found under the Basilica of Saint-Quentin?
A: 9th century mosaic', '
Q: What common element do mosaic panels from the 11th century have?
A: simple colors']
Later fresco replaced the more labor-intensive technique of mosaic in Western-Europe, although mosaics were sometimes used as decoration on medieval cathedrals. The Royal Basilica of the Hungarian kings in Székesfehérvár (Alba Regia) had a mosaic decoration in the apse. It was probably a work of Venetian or Ravennese craftsmen, executed in the first decades of the 11th century. The mosaic was almost totally destroyed together with the basilica in the 17th century. The Golden Gate of the St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague got its name from the golden 14th-century mosaic of the Last Judgement above the portal. It was executed by Venetian craftsmen.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What would replace the labor intensive technique of mosaic?
A: fresco', '
Q: When was the the mosaic at the Royal Basilica of Hungarian Kings destroyed?
A: the 17th century', '
Q: Who created the Last judgement mosaic in the St. Vitus Cathedral?
A: Venetian craftsmen', '
Q: What is the Royal Basilica of the Hungarian kings also known as?
A: Alba Regia', '
Q: Where is the Royal Basilica of the Hungarian kings?
A: Székesfehérvár']
The Crusaders in the Holy Land also adopted mosaic decoration under local Byzantine influence. During their 12th-century reconstruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem they complemented the existing Byzantine mosaics with new ones. Almost nothing of them survived except the "Ascension of Christ" in the Latin Chapel (now confusingly surrounded by many 20th-century mosaics). More substantial fragments were preserved from the 12th-century mosaic decoration of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The mosaics in the nave are arranged in five horizontal bands with the figures of the ancestors of Christ, Councils of the Church and angels. In the apses the Annunciation, the Nativity, Adoration of the Magi and Dormition of the Blessed Virgin can be seen. The program of redecoration of the church was completed in 1169 as a unique collaboration of the Byzantine emperor, the king of Jerusalem and the Latin Church.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Where is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre located?
A: Jerusalem', '
Q: Where is the mosaic "Ascension of Christ" located?
A: in the Latin Chapel', '
Q: What nation influenced the Crusaders mosaic styles?
A: Byzantine', '
Q: What is the name of the lone surviving mosaic of the Crusader period?
A: "Ascension of Christ"', '
Q: The Byzantine emperor, the king of Jerusalem and the Latin Church came together in what year to redecorate the Church of the Holy Sepulchre?
A: 1169']
In 2003, the remains of a mosaic pavement were discovered under the ruins of the Bizere Monastery near the River Mureş in present-day Romania. The panels depict real or fantastic animal, floral, solar and geometric representations. Some archeologists supposed that it was the floor of an Orthodox church, built some time between the 10th and 11th century. Other experts claim that it was part of the later Catholic monastery on the site because it shows the signs of strong Italianate influence. The monastery was situated that time in the territory of the Kingdom of Hungary.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: when were mosaic pavements uncovered at the Bizere Monastery?
A: 2003', '
Q: Where would the Bizere Monastery be located today?
A: Romania', '
Q: When were the mosaics at Bizere Monastery created?
A: between the 10th and 11th century', '
Q: In what kingdom was the Bizere Monastery located?
A: Hungary']
The mosaics of St. Peter's often show lively Baroque compositions based on designs or canvases from like Ciro Ferri, Guido Reni, Domenichino, Carlo Maratta, and many others. Raphael is represented by a mosaic replica of this last painting, the Transfiguration. Many different artists contributed to the 17th- and 18th-century mosaics in St. Peter's, including Giovanni Battista Calandra, Fabio Cristofari (died 1689), and Pietro Paolo Cristofari (died 1743). Works of the Fabbrica were often used as papal gifts.

Questions and answers:
["
Q: How is Raphael portrayed in St. Peter's?
A: by a mosaic replica of this last painting", '
Q: What year did Pietro Paolo Cristofari die?
A: 1743', '
Q: What was the art of the Fabbrica usually used for?
A: papal gifts', "
Q: What was the name of the painting used to represent raphael in St. Peter's?
A: Transfiguration", "
Q: The mosaics of St.Peter's are often based on what?
A: designs or canvases"]
The single most important piece of Byzantine Christian mosaic art in the East is the Madaba Map, made between 542 and 570 as the floor of the church of Saint George at Madaba, Jordan. It was rediscovered in 1894. The Madaba Map is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land. It depicts an area from Lebanon in the north to the Nile Delta in the south, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Eastern Desert. The largest and most detailed element of the topographic depiction is Jerusalem, at the center of the map. The map is enriched with many naturalistic features, like animals, fishing boats, bridges and palm trees

Questions and answers:
['
Q: What is the most important mosaic piece built by Byzantine Christians?
A: the Madaba Map', '
Q: When was the the Madaba Map made?
A: between 542 and 570', '
Q: Where is the church of Saint George?
A: Madaba, Jordan', '
Q: When was the Madaba Map rediscovered? 
A: 1894', '
Q: The Madaba Map depicts as far South as the Nile delta, and as far North as what country?
A: Lebanon']
Important Justinian era mosaics decorated the Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai in Egypt. Generally wall mosaics have not survived in the region because of the destruction of buildings but the St. Catherine's Monastery is exceptional. On the upper wall Moses is shown in two panels on a landscape background. In the apse we can see the Transfiguration of Jesus on a golden background. The apse is surrounded with bands containing medallions of apostles and prophets, and two contemporary figure, "Abbot Longinos" and "John the Deacon". The mosaic was probably created in 565/6.

Questions and answers:
["
Q: What era were the mosaics that adorned Saint Catherine's Monastery?
A: Justinian", "
Q: Where is Saint Catherine's Monastery located?
A: Mount Sinai in Egypt", '
Q: Why have wall mosaics generally not survived in the region?
A: the destruction of buildings', "
Q: Who is depicted in Saint Catherine's Monastery on a mosaic landscape background? 
A: Moses", "
Q: When was the mosaic at Saint Catherine's Monastery created?
A: in 565/6"]
Jerusalem with its many holy places probably had the highest concentration of mosaic-covered churches but very few of them survived the subsequent waves of destructions. The present remains do not do justice to the original richness of the city. The most important is the so-called "Armenian Mosaic" which was discovered in 1894 on the Street of the Prophets near Damascus Gate. It depicts a vine with many branches and grape clusters, which springs from a vase. Populating the vine's branches are peacocks, ducks, storks, pigeons, an eagle, a partridge, and a parrot in a cage. The inscription reads: "For the memory and salvation of all those Armenians whose name the Lord knows." Beneath a corner of the mosaic is a small, natural cave which contained human bones dating to the 5th or 6th centuries. The symbolism of the mosaic and the presence of the burial cave indicates that the room was used as a mortuary chapel.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Which city had the highest percentage of mosaic covered churches?
A: Jerusalem', '
Q: Where was the Armenian Mosaic found in Jerusalem?
A: near Damascus Gate', '
Q: What type of plant is depicted in the Armenian Mosaic?
A: a vine with many branches', '
Q: When was the Armenian Mosaic re-discovered?
A: 1894', '
Q: What was the room under the Armenian Mosaic used for?
A: mortuary chapel']
An exceptionally well preserved, carpet-like mosaic floor was uncovered in 1949 in Bethany, the early Byzantine church of the Lazarium which was built between 333 and 390. Because of its purely geometrical pattern, the church floor is to be grouped with other mosaics of the time in Palestine and neighboring areas, especially the Constantinian mosaics in the central nave at Bethlehem. A second church was built above the older one during the 6th century with another more simple geometric mosaic floor.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Where would the Byzantine church of the Lazarium be located today?
A: Bethany', '
Q: When was the Byzantine church of the Lazarium constructed?
A: between 333 and 390', '
Q: The mosaic at the Byzantine church of the Lazarium most closely resembles mosaics from which area?
A: Palestine', '
Q: A church was built on top of the Byzantine church of the Lazarium in waht century?
A: the 6th']
The monastic communities of the Judean Desert also decorated their monasteries with mosaic floors. The Monastery of Martyrius was founded in the end of the 5th century and it was re-discovered in 1982–85. The most important work of art here is the intact geometric mosaic floor of the refectory although the severely damaged church floor was similarly rich. The mosaics in the church of the nearby Monastery of Euthymius are of later date (discovered in 1930). They were laid down in the Umayyad era, after a devastating earthquake in 659. Two six pointed stars and a red chalice are the most important surviving features.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: The churches of which desert decorated their monasteries with mosaics?
A: the Judean', '
Q: When was the Monastery of Martyrius created?
A: the end of the 5th century', '
Q: When was the Monastery of Martyrius re-discovered?
A: in 1982–85', '
Q: Where in the Monastery of Martyrius is the most important mosaic work?
A: the refectory', '
Q: What was the name of the monastery that was discovered in 1930?
A: Monastery of Euthymius']
Mosaic art also flourished in Christian Petra where three Byzantine churches were discovered. The most important one was uncovered in 1990. It is known that the walls were also covered with golden glass mosaics but only the floor panels survived as usual. The mosaic of the seasons in the southern aisle is from this first building period from the middle of the 5th century. In the first half of the 6th century the mosaics of the northern aisle and the eastern end of the southern aisle were installed. They depict native as well as exotic or mythological animals, and personifications of the Seasons, Ocean, Earth and Wisdom.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: How many Christian churches have been found in the Christian Petra?
A: three', '
Q: When was the most important Byzantine church re-discovered?
A: in 1990', '
Q: What type of mosaics were present in the church discovered in 1990?
A: only the floor panels', '
Q: What century was the oldest known mosaic at the church discovered in 1990?
A: the 5th', '
Q: The scenes depicted on the mosaics were both native and what kind of mythological animals?
A: exotic']
The mosaics of the Church of St Stephen in ancient Kastron Mefaa (now Umm ar-Rasas) were made in 785 (discovered after 1986). The perfectly preserved mosaic floor is the largest one in Jordan. On the central panel hunting and fishing scenes are depicted while another panel illustrates the most important cities of the region. The frame of the mosaic is especially decorative. Six mosaic masters signed the work: Staurachios from Esbus, Euremios, Elias, Constantinus, Germanus and Abdela. It overlays another, damaged, mosaic floor of the earlier (587) "Church of Bishop Sergius." Another four churches were excavated nearby with traces of mosaic decoration.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: Where would the Church of St Stephen be located today?
A: Umm ar-Rasas', '
Q: When were the mosaics in the Church of St Stephen created?
A: in 785', '
Q: When were the mosaics in the Church of St Stephen re-discovered?
A: 1986', '
Q: The mosaic floor in the Church of St Stephen is the largest in what country?
A: Jordan', '
Q: How many artists signed the frame of the mosaic at the Church of St Stephen?
A: Six']
The craft has also been popular in early medieval Rus, inherited as part of the Byzantine tradition. Yaroslav, the Grand Prince of the Kievan Rus' built a large cathedral in his capital, Kiev. The model of the church was the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, and it was also called Saint Sophia Cathedral. It was built mainly by Byzantine master craftsmen, sent by Constantine Monomachos, between 1037 and 1046. Naturally the more important surfaces in the interior were decorated with golden mosaics. In the dome we can see the traditional stern Pantokrator supported by angels. Between the 12 windows of the drum were apostles and the four evangelists on the pendentives. The apse is dominated by an orant Theotokos with a Deesis in three medallions above. Below is a Communion of the Apostles.

Questions and answers:
["
Q: Yaroslav held what title in medieval Russia?
A: Grand Prince of the Kievan Rus'", '
Q: Where did Yaroslav build his Cathedral?
A: Kiev', '
Q: What was used as a model for the church Yaroslav commissioned?
A: the Hagia Sophia', '
Q: What was the name of the church Yaroslav commissioned?
A: Saint Sophia Cathedral', "
Q: Who sent the Byzantine craftsmen that built Yaroslav's cathedral?
A: Constantine Monomachos"]
The apse mosaic of the Gelati Monastery is a rare example of mosaic use in Georgia. Began by king David IV and completed by his son Demetrius I of Georgia, the fragmentary panel depicts Theotokos flanked by two archangels. The use of mosaic in Gelati attests to some Byzantine influence in the country and was a demonstration of the imperial ambition of the Bagrationids. The mosaic covered church could compete in magnificence with the churches of Constantinople. Gelati is one of few mosaic creations which survived in Georgia but fragments prove that the early churches of Pitsunda and Tsromi were also decorated with mosaic as well as other, lesser known sites. The destroyed 6th century mosaic floors in the Pitsunda Cathedral have been inspired by Roman prototypes. In Tsromi the tesserae are still visible on the walls of the 7th-century church but only faint lines hint at the original scheme. Its central figure was Christ standing and displaying a scroll with Georgian text.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: In what country is the the Gelati Monastery located?
A: Georgia', '
Q: Who started construction on the Gelati Monastery?
A: king David IV', '
Q: Who eventually oversaw completion of the Gelati Monastery?
A: Demetrius I of Georgia', '
Q: Who was the central theme of the mosaics at Tsromi?
A: Christ']
The remains of a 6th-century synagogue have been uncovered in Sepphoris, which was an important centre of Jewish culture between the 3rd–7th centuries and a multicultural town inhabited by Jews, Christians and pagans. The mosaic reflects an interesting fusion of Jewish and pagan beliefs. In the center of the floor the zodiac wheel was depicted. Helios sits in the middle, in his sun chariot, and each zodiac is matched with a Jewish month. Along the sides of the mosaic are strips depicting Biblical scenes, such as the binding of Isaac, as well as traditional rituals, including a burnt sacrifice and the offering of fruits and grains.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: The remains of what was found at Sepphoris?
A: a 6th-century synagogue', '
Q: Who were the primary inhabitants of Sepphoris in the 3rd through 7th centuries?
A: Jews', '
Q: The mosaic found at Sepphoris display a mix of Jewish and which beliefs?
A: pagan', '
Q: What figure is dominant in the mosaic at Sepphoris?
A: Helios', '
Q: What surrounds Helios in the mosaic at Sepphoris?
A: a Jewish month']
The synagogue in Eshtemoa (As-Samu) was built around the 4th century. The mosaic floor is decorated with only floral and geometric patterns. The synagogue in Khirbet Susiya (excavated in 1971–72, founded in the end of the 4th century) has three mosaic panels, the eastern one depicting a Torah shrine, two menorahs, a lulav and an etrog with columns, deer and rams. The central panel is geometric while the western one is seriously damaged but it has been suggested that it depicted Daniel in the lion’s den. The Roman synagogue in Ein Gedi was remodeled in the Byzantine era and a more elaborate mosaic floor was laid down above the older white panels. The usual geometric design was enriched with birds in the center. It includes the names of the signs of the zodiac and important figures from the Jewish past but not their images suggesting that it served a rather conservative community.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: When was the synagogue in Eshtemoa constructed?
A: around the 4th century', '
Q: What patterns are present on the mosaic at the synagogue in Eshtemoa?
A: only floral and geometric', '
Q: When was the synagogue in Khirbet Susiya re-discovered?
A: in 1971–72', '
Q: How many panels are in the synagogue in Khirbet Susiya?
A: three', '
Q: What do the images at synagogue in Khirbet Susiya suggest about the communities views?
A: rather conservative']
The ban on figurative depiction was not taken so seriously by the Jews living in Byzantine Gaza. In 1966 remains of a synagogue were found in the ancient harbour area. Its mosaic floor depicts King David as Orpheus, identified by his name in Hebrew letters. Near him were lion cubs, a giraffe and a snake listening to him playing a lyre. A further portion of the floor was divided by medallions formed by vine leaves, each of which contains an animal: a lioness suckling her cub, a giraffe, peacocks, panthers, bears, a zebra and so on. The floor was paved in 508/509. It is very similar to that of the synagogue at Maon (Menois) and the Christian church at Shellal, suggesting that the same artist most probably worked at all three places.

Questions and answers:
['
Q: In Byzantine Gaza, Jews were relaxed on what ban?
A: figurative depiction', '
Q: Where were ancient remains of a synagogue found in 1966?
A: in the ancient harbour area', '
Q: The mosaic found in 1966 depicts who as the central figure?
A: King David as Orpheus', '
Q: What is the central figure doing in the mosaic found in 1966?
A: playing a lyre', '
Q: When was the mosaic floor constructed?
A: in 508/509']