RAVENNA: EMPIRE, EUROPE - HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES

Discover the fascinating history of Ravenna, a city that for centuries was the capital of empires and a melting pot of cultures. This book takes us back to the early Middle Ages, showing Ravenna as a political and cultural center that radiated throughout Europe. Learn about the fates of rulers, chroniclers, and ordinary people who shaped this extraordinary city.

• Capital of the empire: Ravenna as the center of power of the Western Roman Empire, the Gothic kingdom, and Byzantium.
• Melting pot of cultures: Meeting of Greek, Latin, Christian, and barbarian cultures.
• Cultural center: Ravenna as a center of scholars, lawyers, doctors, and craftsmen.
• Early Middle Ages: A new perspective on the period from the 5th to the 8th century as a time of great creativity.
• Mosaic art: Spectacular mosaics in the churches of Ravenna, bearing witness to the rivalry between Romans and Goths.
• History of Europe: Ravenna as the city where Europe took shape.

The book "Ravenna: Capital of the Empire, Melting Pot of Europe" by Judith Herrin is a fascinating story about a city that played a key role in the history of Europe. The author describes how in 402, the young Honorius moved the capital from Milan to Ravenna to protect himself from barbarian invasions. From that moment on, Ravenna became a center of power that lasted until 751.

In Ravenna, different cultures and religions met, which resulted in an extraordinary artistic and intellectual richness. The city attracted scholars, lawyers, doctors, craftsmen, and clergy who contributed to its development. Ravenna became a link between East and West, a place where the new Europe took shape.

The book presents a new perspective on the twilight of Rome, the invasions of the Goths and Lombards, the emergence of Islam, and the divisions in Christianity. The author argues that the period from the 5th to the 8th century should not be seen as the decline of antiquity, but as a time of great creativity, thanks to the influence of Byzantium. It was in Ravenna that early Christianity was born, which had a huge impact on the development of Europe.

The palaces of Ravenna may be in ruins, but the churches have survived, and in them the rivalry between Catholics and Arians resulted in the creation of spectacular mosaics that still delight visitors today. The book is richly illustrated with specially made photographs and based on the latest archaeological and documentary findings.

Rebis Publishing House presents readers with an extraordinary publication that allows them to better understand the history of Europe and the role that Ravenna played in it. It is a must-read for all lovers of history, archaeology, and art.