Question

_____was the Ostrogothic kind and patron of the church of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna.

A. Theodoric the great
B. Attila the hun
C. Julius Caesar
D. Constantine the Great

Answer 1

Theodoric the Great was the Ostrogothic king responsible for building and patronizing the church of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, known for its rich mosaics and significant architectural contributions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ostrogothic king and patron of the church of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna was Theodoric the Great. Theodoric engaged in significant building programs throughout Ravenna, which had been the capital of the western Roman Empire. Notable among his construction was Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, adorned with opulent and glittering mosaics, including imagery of Theodoric's Palace. Although Theodoric was an Arian Christian, his rule was marked by a pragmatic tolerance for the Catholic population, seeking to mitigate conflict between religious groups. Despite efforts by Theodoric to foster unity between Roman and Gothic peoples, his reign ended with Ravenna being captured by the Byzantine Empire, which sought to erase Theodoric's Arian legacy.

Answer 2

The patron of the church of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna was Theodoric the Great, an Ostrogothic king who ruled from 493-526 and undertook significant architectural and cultural initiatives.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ostrogothic king and patron of the church of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna was Theodoric the Great. Theodoric, initially a commander in the Byzantine army, was sent by Emperor Zeno to take Italy and established his rule in 493, bringing about a period of prosperity and cultural exchange.

During his reign, Theodoric undertook numerous building projects, including the church now known as Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, which was famed for its interior mosaics, including a depiction of his palace. Theodoric's rule exemplified a blend of Roman and Germanic elements, striving to integrate Ostrogoths with the Roman population while maintaining both Roman and Gothic governments.

Although an Arian Christian, Theodoric sought to establish harmonious relations with the Catholic Church. However, the Ostrogoths struggled after his death, leading to instability in Italy. Theodoric's contributions to architecture and governance are still recognized today, despite attempts by the Byzantine Empire to erase his legacy.