Ravenna

Book cover of Ravenna: Capital of Empire, Crucible of Europe

Book description

A riveting history of the city that led the West out of the ruins of the Roman Empire

At the end of the fourth century, as the power of Rome faded and Constantinople became the seat of empire, a new capital city was rising in the West. Here, in Ravenna…

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European history

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Ravenna as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

David Alan Parnell

Author

The city of Ravenna in northeastern Italy saw many important developments, serving as a capital of Roman emperors, then of Ostrogothic kings, and finally of the governors dispatched by the medieval Roman or Byzantine emperors in Constantinople.

This book is a brilliantly crafted and lavishly illustrated history of the city. It also contains a series of vivid micro-biographies of bishops and governors. My favorite feature of the book is that it offers insight into the lives of ordinary citizens via archival records. These are in sections with titles that begin “Living in Ravenna” and provide important waypoints to guide the…

From David's list on introducing yourself to the early Byzantine Empire.

R.I. Moore

Author

Between antiquity and the middle ages, between Byzantium and the West, between Christendom and Islam... For four hundred years Ravenna sat at the tipping points of all the great transitions that together shaped Europe. Judith Herrin tells its fascinating history and presents a parade of forceful and creative characters with great insight and a wonderfully light touch, in a book as beautifully produced as it is profoundly researched.

From R.I.'s list on the real Middle Ages.