The old capital of the exarchate, with its Byzantine churches and the archbishop's palace, now a city of noble towers.
The Traversari, Dusdei, Anastagi and Ubertini compete for the commune. The port lies at Classe and along the canals to the sea; since the Po's breach at Ficarolo in 1152 the Primaro branch has weakened and a valley canal parallel to the old Fossa Augusta (the Naviglio) was made navigable.
Who holds it
- Name
- Not pinned (Pietro Traversari the leading man)
- Title
- Podestà for 1199
- Since
- not pinned
- Confidence
- low
See Ravenna.
Lord in 1200
The archbishop (Guglielmo di Cabriano) as lord in law, sharing the city with the commune of the nobles who manage the church's estates.
How things stand that morning
Self-governing under the archbishop's high lordship; no papal or imperial officer.
Charter
The commune is attested about 1106; the archbishops long named its podestà.
Council
Podestà (a Traversari in 1196 and 1202), consuls and the council of the nobles.
Communities
Not documented for 1200.
Militia
The noble houses' retinues and the city militia.
Walls and castle
Late Roman walls; the archbishop's palace.
Trade and crafts
Salt from Cervia; fish and fowling of the lagoons; the port; management of the church estates.
Places of note
- Classe: The old port and the basilica of Sant'Apollinare
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: General histories only.
On the map: Near land only; the 1200 coastline lay west of today's.
Primary sources for Ravenna
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- The Deeds of Innocent III, Anonymous (a curial official, perhaps Peter of Benevento) (about 1208 to 1209). The curia's own account of the pontificate's first decade, with letters copied in. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.