Uncover Ravenna's glittering past with experts Rowena Loverance or Dr Sally Dormer. In 402AD, the city became the capital of the western Roman empire and mosaic-decorated churches were built. Ravenna flourished during the early sixth century under the Ostrogoths, who commissioned further splendid monuments. In 540AD it became the main outpost of the Byzantine empire in western Europe, experiencing another lavish period of patronage, and the Lombards assumed control in 751AD. Decline was inevitable, but vital in ensuring the survival of Ravenna’s illustrious past.