Ravennaa] ; Romagnol: Ravèna, Ravêna) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. It was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire during the 5th century until its collapse in 476, after which it served as the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and then the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna. It has 156,444 inhabitants as of 2025.Initially settled by the Umbri people, Ravenna came under Roman Republic control in 89 BC. Octavian built the military harbor of Classis at Ravenna, and the city remained an important seaport on the Adriatic until the early Middle Ages. The city prospered under imperial rule.
Ravenna becomes the seat of the Byzantine military governor in Italy
Ravennaa] ; Romagnol: Ravèna, Ravêna) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy.
Historical Significance
Ravennaa] ; Romagnol: Ravèna, Ravêna) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy.
Events Before
Ostrogoths of King Totila conquer Rome by bribing the Byzantine garrison during the Gothic War
Ostrogoths of King Totila conquer Rome by bribing the Byzantine garrison during the Gothic War
Gothic War (535-552): The Ostrogoths, under King Totila, conquer Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garris
Gothic War (535-552): The Ostrogoths, under King Totila, conquer Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garrison
Origin of Armenian calendar
The Armenian calendar is the calendar traditionally used in Armenia, primarily during the medieval ages.
Second Council of Constantinople (5th ecumenical council) opens
The Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
Moon Jaguar becomes the 10th ruler of the Maya city of Copán (modern Honduras), will reign for 25 years
Moon Jaguar becomes the 10th ruler of the Maya city of Copán (modern Honduras), will reign for 25 years
Events After
Vigilius ends his reign as Catholic Pope
Vigilius ends his reign as Catholic Pope
Pelagius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Pelagius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, is significantly damaged by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake
Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, is significantly damaged by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake
John III begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Pelagius I
John III begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Pelagius I
More from the 550s
Gothic War (535-552): The Ostrogoths, under King Totila, conquer Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garris
Gothic War (535-552): The Ostrogoths, under King Totila, conquer Rome after a long siege, by bribing the Isaurian garrison
Pelagius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Pelagius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope
Second Council of Constantinople (5th ecumenical council) opens
The Second Council of Constantinople is the fifth of the first seven ecumenical councils recognized by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
Moon Jaguar becomes the 10th ruler of the Maya city of Copán (modern Honduras), will reign for 25 years
Moon Jaguar becomes the 10th ruler of the Maya city of Copán (modern Honduras), will reign for 25 years
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 14, 554?
- Ravennaa] ; Romagnol: Ravèna, Ravêna) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. It was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire during the 5th century until its collapse in 476, after which it served as the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and then the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna. It has 156,444 inhabitants as of 2025.Initially settled by the Umbri people, Ravenna came under Roman Republic control in 89 BC.
- Why is Ravenna becomes the seat of the Byzantine military governor in Italy significant?
- Ravennaa] ; Romagnol: Ravèna, Ravêna) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy.