European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 9, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                 Quot i 4afe a a a a a Mann Fumm $ mjg my Mem a a saw Jef hip Skavenna s chaotic a a a a. A m past reflected in its mosaics the three Wise men approach Mary and the Christ child who sit surrounded by Angels in san Apo snare Nuovo. \ Intini d from Page 9 Iver and jewels buried with their general Alaric under to River at Cosenza Italy where he died on his Way to Oil her Sicily. She also saw the execution of All Cosenza s townspeople who had been forced to Piipo rarely divert the Buento River to build the hidden Miland then were killed to keep the secret. The Roa sures have never been found. C Alia was eventually released for Ransom and settled in Ravenna where she became ruler follow ing her Stepbrother s death. I Ter mausoleum is a Small jewel Box As exotic As her Ile. In spite of its dark Blue dome and tiny opaque mini own the cupola sparkles it is a sky holding More Han h00 Gold stars. A Shower of mosaic figures lights the vails. Doves drink from the Fountain of everlasting life lags represent human souls. Directly across from Christ Nort payed As a Shepherd a Robed Man hastens toward a tire and Grill. It is St. Lawrence looking ahead to his martyrdom by roasting. Opposite the Entrance is a Large Stone sarcophagus its engraving and decorations hacked away. Centuries earlier legend claims the body of the Empress sat inside on a wooden throne. Some curious children apparently living to see threw lighted straws into the peephole burning the Corpse and throne in 1 57 7. Next to the mausoleum is the Basilica san Vitale a Large Octagon of Plain red Brick. The Interior is opulent two stories of Marble colonnades and alcoves decorated with intricate red Green and Blue mosaics. Built about a Century after Galla Placidia s mausoleum it glorifies two of the most powerful rulers of the Day the emperor and Empress of the Eastern roman Empire Justinian and his wife Theodora who Defeated the goths occupying Ravenna. A visit to sunday mass gives an Opportunity to stare at their portraits above the altar without being jostled by passers by. Justinian s dream was to reunite Rome s former Empire by conquering the tribes that held much of Italy and North Africa and threatened Southeast Spain and the Balkans. His two generals briefly succeeded. Justinian undertook enough work for a second lifetime. I be transcribed and indexed All of roman Law. He was driven by ambition and enjoyed much Success. And he was just half the dynamic Power at constantinople s Helm. Theodora was the other half. Early in their marriage a vie ions political rebellion broke out in constantinople. As Justinian and his advisers concocted a plan to flee the c Ity she interrupted shaming the emperor into staying to protect t the Root Al government. Quot those who put on the Imperial purple should never take it off Quot she supposedly scolded adding Quot purple makes the finest  an Impromptu Arm hastily Defeated the insurgents her toughness probably came from her Check ered past. She was a former circus Clown and a prostitute who hooked up with Justinian in constantinople. But judging from her fearless defense of their government Theodora was interested in More than a Rich easy life. She became a tireless advocate of women s rights ruling with Justinian until her death. Pictured on the Wall opposite her husband Theodora wears an Imperial purple Mantle. Her Crown is adorned w Ith sprays of jewels and strands of pearls which fall to her shoulders. Serious and composed she stands taller than her male attendants an exotic and Beautiful reminder of the roman Empire s final burst of glory. About five blocks on the other Side of the Piazza Del Popolo is a gothic contribution to Ravenna. From the Square walk along via Diaz and turn right on via i Roma to the Basilica san Apollinare Nuovo built by the gothic King theodoric who conquered Ravenna in pm. Theodoric was a Christian convert san Apollinare Nuovo displays his Pride in his new religion and new c Ity. On a Wall supported by Marble columns 2-White-Robed virgins stand on a background of Gold they leave the City port and March after the three \ men who run to the Virgin Mary seated on a throne surrounded by Angels. Along the opposite Wall 2b a martyrs dressed in White Linen leave theodoric s Paace and move solemnly toward Christ. 10 stripes Magazine january 9, 1992