Ravenna

Ravenna (pop. 136,100), city in northeastern region of Italy, famous for its superb mosaics, notably in the 5th-century mausoleum of Galla Placidia and 6th-century churches (notably San Vitale and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo). Emperor Honorius made Ravenna his capital; it was seized by Odoacer in 476 and was later seat of the Byzantine exarch. It was given to the Pope in the 8th century by the Carolingean King Pepin the Short. Papal control was lost and not regained until the 16th century. Modern Ravenna, an agricultural and manufacturing center, has a port and petrochemical plants.

See also: Italy.