Ravenna in Late Antiquity

Description

Ravenna was one of the most important cities of late antique Europe. Between 400 and 751 AD, it was the residence of western Roman emperors, Ostrogothic kings, and Byzantine governors of Italy, while its bishops and archbishops ranked second only to the popes. During this 350-year period, the city was progressively enlarged and enriched by remarkable works of art and architecture, many of which still survive today. Thus, Ravenna and its monuments are of critical importance to historians and art historians of the late ancient world. This book provides a comprehensive survey of Ravenna's history and monuments in late antiquity, including discussions of scholarly controversies, archaeological discoveries, and interpretations of art works. A synthesis of the voluminous literature on this topic, this volume provides an English-language entry point for the study of this fascinating city.

Deborah Mauskopf Deliyannis is Assistant Professor of History at Indiana University. She is the editor and translator of Agnellus of Ravenna's Liber pontificalis ecclesiae Ravennatis and is the Executive Editor of The Medieval Review.

'... in the past one had to deplore the fact that there is no comprehensive book in English on this subject. With the publication of the present book, this situation has changed dramatically, because [it] not only tells the full story of Ravenna, but also documents all the scholarly interpretations and controversies surrounding its art ...' International Review of Biblical Studies 'Deliyannis succeeds in her purpose to a commendable extent. Her work is scholarly, lucid, balanced and well organized throughout ... The author concentrates on the great monuments of the city, offering not just meticulous and informed descriptions, but also judicious and knowledgeable examination of the context of each ... This sensitive and informed treatment of the monuments combined with an impressive knowledge of secondary literature makes for a volume which should reinforce detailed understanding of an unparalleled survival from the antique world, and encourage more scholarly interest among both historians and art historians.' T. S. Brown, Early Medieval Europe