Ravenna Essays -- Art History Papers

Located in northeast Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region and the capital of the province bearing its name, Ravenna is internationally celebrated for its stunning ancient mosaics and rich history. Ravennas prosperous past is translucent in its wealth of still-standing examples of Byzantine art and architecture. Positioned near the Adriatic Sea on a marshy plain, Ravenna has served as a strategic ?capital troika times of the western Roman Empire, of Theodoric King of the Goths, and of the Byzantine Empire in Europe? (History, par. 1). By delving into Ravenna?s history, as well as its odd artistic achievements, the reasoning behind its popularity in tourism becomes clear.Ravenna was formed by the buildup of centuries of silt deposits from the annual flooding of the Po River branches. The floods repeatedly pushed back the water line of the Adriatic Sea to the point where Ravenna now lies, about five miles from the coast (Benigni, par. 1). The select origin of this ancient city is unc ertain as a throng of legends lay claim to its beginnings. The Greek historian Dionysius of Hilicarnassus stated that the city was founded sevener generations prior to the Trojan War however, a wingow Grecian, Strabo, claimed that the Thessalonians were the founders. Tradition, according to Bovini, grants the call of earliest inhabitants to the Etruscans due to the commonly Etruscan suffix,enna, as well as the find of Etruscan artifacts while historiographers insist that the Umbrians were the first established people (7). Little is cognise about Ravennas history until the end of the third century BC when it fell completely under the influence of Rome. Though the city lacked the agricultural fortissimo that normally drew the attention of th... ... by the Roman fleet in Classe, the earth has shifted in a way that it now lies two to three kilometers from the oceanTheodoric?s sixth century Basilica of SantApollinare Nuovo was originally mean for Arians as their own palatinate church.? With a 16th century portico made of marble, a cylindrical bell tower from the 9th or 10th century, and mosaics with an astounding grow area, this edifice is a remarkable glimpse into Ravenna?s history.? The mosaics representing the processions Virgins and Martyrs are typical examples of Byzantine style.? In 520, Theodoric built this expression as his tomb.? The Mausoleum of Theodoric most believably held his remains in the upper floor until their removal during Byzantine rule.? The structure is made of Istria stone, the roof being one single block, and is ?divided in two decagonal orders one above the other (par. 52).?