Last Bastions of the Byzantine Empire in Northern Italy

The last capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna was reconquered by Justinian and became the seat of an Exarchate. As an imperial city, Ravenna flourished and was adorned with churches decorated by the best Byzantine artists. The Basilica of San Vitale, built by the banker Julius Argentarius, contains some of the finest Byzantine mosaics outside of Constantinople, as well as the most famous portraits of Justinian and his colourful wife, Theodora. Venice, which was part of the Exarchate of Ravenna, grew wealthy from its connection to the east, while becoming enriched by Byzantine culture. The Basilica of San Marco, once the private chapel of the Venetian Doges, was based on the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. Its stunning mosaics remain an unsurpassed panoply of Byzantine art. The result was an unparalleled collection of Byzantine art, with its unique domed architecture and shimmering mosaics.