After Rome fell, the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) reconquered Italy in the 6th century. Ravenna became their western capital, and they filled it with the greatest mosaics in the world.
Plan a history trip →535–553: Justinian’s Gothic Wars reconquer Italy (devastating — Rome’s population drops from 500,000 to 30,000). 553–751: Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna rules central/southern Italy. 751: Lombards conquer Ravenna. Byzantium retains southern Italy (including Sicily) until the 11th century.
Ravenna: 8 UNESCO sites. San Vitale (€12 combo): the Justinian and Theodora mosaic panels are among the greatest artworks ever created. Galla Placidia Mausoleum: the starry ceiling is otherworldly. Sant’Apollinare in Classe: the procession of saints in gold. All within walking distance. Southern Italy: Cattolica di Stilo (Calabria, tiny Byzantine church, free), Matera’s rock churches (Byzantine frescoes in caves).
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