Ravenna. Rise of a Late Antique Capital

Cirelli, Enrico (2010) Ravenna. Rise of a Late Antique Capital. In: Debating Urbanism. Within and Beyond the Walls A.D. 300-700. School of Archaeological studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, pp. 239-263. ISBN 9780956017925

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Abstract

The town of Ravenna, in northern Italy, today contains eight buildings listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, all dating between the fifth and the sixth centuries - a time when it was one of the most important cities of the Mediterranean. The Roman town underwent a major transformation at the beginning of the fifth century, from a small Roman 'Municipium' to an Imperial capital. This role called for new buildings of power, housing the Imperial Court and the related bureaucratic body, a Bishop's Palace and other monuments suche as the Circus. In addition this walls, churches and others community zones were created; all following late antique models such as Milan, the previous capital, and of course Constantinople. An expansion of Ravenna's infrastructures was also necessary, in particular new roads and sewer system, a port, warehouses, and aqueducts. From the fifth century to the Early Medieval period Ravenna flourished as one of the main centres of North Italy and during this period its archbishop played an important role in the religion, politics and economy of the region. This paper seeks to illustrate the archaeological evidence related to the 'longue durée' of the urban centre of Ravenna as a fulcrum of power and control.

Item Type:	Book Section
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D111 Medieval History
Depositing User:	dr Vincenzo De Luise
Date Deposited:	18 Nov 2014 04:50
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2014 04:50
URI:	http://www.rmoa.unina.it/id/eprint/774

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