Between Ravenna and Constantinople

The book presents the settlement in a period of European history (late 3rd to early 7th century) when highly exposed areas between Late Antique capitals Ravenna and Constantinople underwent radical transformation. relentless pressure barbarian populations from beyond Roman limes resulted political, military, economic social changes that finally led decline former forms human habitation. Cities continental parts were largely abandoned or continued heavily reduced ruralised skeletons their selves; only urban centres along coasts Mediterranean met kinder fate. Other lowland settlement, primarily once prominent villas, ceased exist as middle 5th century. population began retreating remote naturally well-protected hilltop settlements an autarchic character, where achievements ancient civilisation upheld late 6th Alongside these, there was series forts constructed under Emperor Justinian, which show carefully thought-out system defending lines communications two capitals. offers comprehensive overview mass characteristic cities, hamlets fortified illustrated with plans, maps photographs, but also interpretation profound transformation patterns.