Ravenna, a Study
1620
Ravenna, a Study
1620
Published in 1620, 'Ravenna, a Study' by Edward Hutton is a historical account that examines the significance of Ravenna in Italy's history, particularly during the Dark Ages. Hutton argues that the city played a crucial role in the decline of Roman administration and the emergence of new powers due to its strategic geographical location. The book details Ravenna's transformation over centuries, highlighting its importance as a refuge for emperors and a military stronghold. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of Ravenna's historical narrative within the broader context of European civilization.
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The author and narrator of this historical study of Ravenna. He presents himself as a scholar examining the unique importance of Ravenna in European history, particularly during the Dark Ages.
Roman general and dictator who used Ravenna as his headquarters before crossing the Rubicon. His choice of Ravenna demonstrates the city's strategic importance in controlling the passage between Italy and Cisalpine Gaul.
Western Roman Emperor who retreated to Ravenna from Milan when Alaric invaded Italy. His strategic withdrawal to the impregnable city marked the beginning of Ravenna's role as the last stronghold of the Western Empire.
Daughter of Theodosius, sister of Honorius, and Augusta of the Western Empire. A tragic figure who was captured by Alaric, married Ataulfus, and later ruled from Ravenna as regent for her son Valentinian III.
About Ravenna, a Study
Chapter Summaries
- I
- Hutton establishes Ravenna's unique geographical position as the key to understanding its historical importance. Located between the Apennines and the sea, commanding the narrow pass between Italy and Cisalpine Gaul, Ravenna was impregnable yet strategically crucial.
- II
- Caesar's use of Ravenna as headquarters before crossing the Rubicon demonstrates the city's strategic importance. From this impregnable base, Caesar launched his conquest of the Roman world, making Ravenna the birthplace of the empire.
- III
- Augustus established Ravenna as the major naval base for the eastern Mediterranean, creating the port of Classis. The city became one of the empire's most important military and administrative centers, second only to Rome itself.
Key Themes
- The Decline and Transformation of Empire
- Hutton traces how Ravenna served as both the deathbed and birthplace of empire, witnessing the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the Holy Roman Empire. The city embodies the continuity of imperial ideals through centuries of political upheaval.
- Geography as Destiny
- Ravenna's unique geographical position—impregnable among marshes yet commanding the crucial pass between Italy and Cisalpine Gaul—determined its historical importance. Hutton argues that geography, not chance, made Ravenna the key to Italy's fate.
- Christianity versus Paganism and Heresy
- The fundamental conflict throughout the book is between Catholic Christianity and various forms of paganism and heresy (especially Arianism). Hutton presents this as the true battle for Europe's soul, more important than racial or political conflicts.
Characters
- Edward Hutton(protagonist)
- The author and narrator of this historical study of Ravenna. He presents himself as a scholar examining the unique importance of Ravenna in European history, particularly during the Dark Ages.
- Julius Caesar(major)
- Roman general and dictator who used Ravenna as his headquarters before crossing the Rubicon. His choice of Ravenna demonstrates the city's strategic importance in controlling the passage between Italy and Cisalpine Gaul.
- Honorius(major)
- Western Roman Emperor who retreated to Ravenna from Milan when Alaric invaded Italy. His strategic withdrawal to the impregnable city marked the beginning of Ravenna's role as the last stronghold of the Western Empire.
- Galla Placidia(major)
- Daughter of Theodosius, sister of Honorius, and Augusta of the Western Empire. A tragic figure who was captured by Alaric, married Ataulfus, and later ruled from Ravenna as regent for her son Valentinian III.
- Theodoric(major)
- Ostrogothic king who ruled Italy from Ravenna for thirty years. Though Arian and barbarian, he provided peace and prosperity to Italy, but his religious differences with the Catholic population ultimately doomed his kingdom.
- Justinian(major)
- Byzantine Emperor who reconquered Italy from the Goths through his generals Belisarius and Narses. His reign represents the high point of Byzantine power and the codification of Roman law.
