Maritime antiquities and antiquaries in Early Modern Ravenna (1500–1800)

This paper explores the history of studies on maritime antiquities of Roman Ravenna during the Early Modern period using textual and visual accounts from local and foreign antiquarians. It analyses the context for the surge in discoveries of maritime sites and the renewal of interest in the ancient ports. It clarifies the local, geographical and political contexts that encouraged the development of antiquarian studies and provides a basis for understanding and identifying both explorers of and visitors to the port site(s). It examines this revival at Ravenna by investigating the main harbour site and antiquarian visits and surveys (and related works), and by presenting the key individuals who recorded the port remains. These sections investigate the purpose and significance of the antiquarian works and present socio-political and educational details. Finally, this paper provides a synthesis of Early Modern studies on the Roman port of Ravenna/Classe.