504 (CE): Date of dedication of the palace church of Ostrogoth King Theodoric the Great in Ravenna, Italy. Originally dedicated in Theodoric’s day to “Our Lord Christ the Redeemer,” the three-aisled basilica was rededicated first in 561, when Justinian the Great renamed it “Saint Martin in Golden Heaven,” and then again in 856, becoming known as Sant’Appollinare Nuovo to coincide with the basilica’s receipt of the relics of Saint Appollinaris (from fellow Ravenna landmark Sant’Appollinare in Classe). Today considered a landmark of Byzantine architecture, the interior of Sant’Appollinare Nuovo, along with its associated structures, represents one of the most extensive surviving mosaic cycles of the Byzantine age.
IAS’ Campaign for 500 chose this date to commemorate as it coincides with our latest member count: at last tally, IAS had 504 members, an historic high! Having reached our goal well before our initial 31 December deadline, we wanted to thank everyone who has newly joined or renewed their membership. We are thrilled to see such support, and we hope that you will take full advantage of all the programming and funding opportunities IAS provides throughout the year.
For others who are still considering membership, we would, of course, be thrilled to have you join us. This is a great time to join IAS because a membership purchased by December 31, 2015 is valid until January 1, 2017, providing extra months of membership. Membership options begin at $20 for graduate students and $30 for regular members. We also have Patron and Benefactor levels, so even without a budget the size of Theodoric the Great, you can make a great impact on Italophiles everywhere by contributing to IAS.
Aerial view of the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy. Image courtesy of the UNESCO World Heritage website.
Façade of the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy. Image courtesy of the UNESCO World Heritage website.
Saint Appollinaris, 6th century CE. Mosaic. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy. Image courtesy of the UNESCO World Heritage website.
Christ as Good Shepherd, 425 CE. Mosaic. North Wall of Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo complex, Ravenna, Italy.Image courtesy of the UNESCO World Heritage website.
Orthodox Baptistry, c. 458 CE. Mosaic. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo complex, Ravenna, Italy.