Alighieri, Dante b. 1265 d. September 14, 1321 Author. Born Durante Alighieri in Florence, Italy the son of Alighiero di Bellincione Alighieri, a notary, and his first wife. His studies included rhetoric, grammar, philosophy, literature , theology, philosophy, and theology. In 1293 he joined the guild of physicians and apothecaries in order to gain entry into the political life of the city. About that same year he published 'Vita Nuova' a combination of lyrical verse and poetic prose telling the story of his love for Beatrice. About 1295 he...[Read More] (Bio by: Iola) Dante Tomb, Ravenna, Provincia di Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Constantius III Roman Emperor. He was the power behind the throne for much of the reign of the Emperor Honorius and saved much of the Western Empire from falling to the barbarians. He first rose to power as "Master of Soldiers" under Honorius at a time when the Western Empire was under attack by Alaric and Athaulf. In addition, Constantine III and his son Constans Augusti in Gaul and Maximus in Spain had declared themselves as rival Emperors to Honorius. He marched into Gaul and drove out Gerontius, Maximus'...[Read More] (Bio by: js) Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Provincia di Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy Plot: To the left of the sarcophagus of Galla Placidia.
Honorius Roman Emperor. His reign saw the final fall of Rome to the Barbarians. He was born in 384 AD and was declared Augustus and co-ruler by his father, Theodosius I, in 393 AD. Two years later the Empire was split in two, with Arcadius controlling the East and Honorius, still only ten years old, ruling in the West. During his youth he relied on the support of the general Stilicho, who secured his own position by marrying his daughter, Marian, to the Emperor. He moved his capital from Mediolanum to...[Read More] (Bio by: js) Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Provincia di Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Placidia, Galla Roman Empress. She ruled the Roman Empire as regent in the early years of Valentinian III. She was born in approximately 388 AD and was the daughter of the Emperor Theodosius I. While still a child she was given her own household and financial independence and was named "Noblissima Puella", meaning "Most Noble Child". She was captured by the Vsigoths during their sack of Rome in 410 AD and taken to Gaul where she was married to the Visigothic chieftain, Athaulf in 414 AD. When Athaulf died in...[Read More] (Bio by: js) Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Provincia di Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy Plot: Between the sarcophagi of Constantius III and Valentinian III
Theodoric the Great b. 454 d. August 26, 526 King of the Ostrogoths. Probably an illegitimate son of Theodomir of the royal Amal line of the Ostrogoths. When the Ostrogoths sought to become a client kingdom of Rome the resultant treaty sent Theodoric to Constantinople as a royal hostage at the age of eight. At eighteen, he was sent home as an encouragement for his father to suppress an uprising led by Theodoric Strabo which threatened Roman power. Theodoric was given his own command and gained a victory over Strabo and was elevated to the...[Read More] (Bio by: Iola) Santa Maria Rotonda, Ravenna, Provincia di Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Valentinian III Roman Emperor. He was born in 419 AD and was descended from the Emperors Valentinian I and Theodosius I, as well as being the nephew of Honorius and cousin of the Eastern Emperor Theodosius II. In 421 AD, on his father's death, he went with his family to live at the court of Theodosius II in Constantinople. Theodosius named him as Caesar of the Western Empire in 424 AD in place of the usurper Joannes. After Joannes was defeated he was declared Emperor in Rome while still only six years old. Due...[Read More] (Bio by: js) Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Provincia di Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy Plot: To the right of the sarcophagus of Galla Placidia.
Victor II., Pope b. 1018 d. July 28, 1057 Pope. His original name was Gebhard. He was known for being very inteligent. In 1042 he became Bishop of Eichstätt, a postition he held until his death. In 1050 he became the chancellor of Emperor Heinrich III. The tow men developed a close friendship. Both Emperor and Gebhard were reluctant to accept Gebhards nomination for papacy but in 1055 Heinrich changed his mind and convinced Gebhard to become pope. He was enthrone on April 13 1055. He held a council in Florence in which he condemned...[Read More] (Bio by: Lutetia) Cause of death: High fever Santa Maria Rotonda, Ravenna, Provincia di Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
b. 1265 d. September 14, 1321