AHC: When WRE capital is moved out of Rome, it goes to Gaul instead of Ravenna

raharris1973

Gone Fishin'
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Could it have happened? What would have been the major obstacles?

Why was Ravenna so special compared to Aurelanium, Massilia or Arles?

Could they have moved it to an Iberian city?
 

Saphroneth

Banned
Ravenna's marshes made it relatively easy to defend, though it did not always work out that way in practice. It also had good sea-connections with the ERE.
 
It was initially moved to Milan for offensive purposes. It was only moved by Ravenna for Honorius because Ravenna was better defended and, frankly, Honorius wasn't going to be launching offensive campaigns himself anytime soon.

Lugdunum was often used as a second capital in Gaul, essentially. I don't see it being the main one though-its still prudent that the main court of the emperor remain in Italy so he can best deal with the Italian nobles.
 
During the Tetrarchy the capital of the western Augustus was in Mediolanum (Milan) and the capital of the westeren Caesar was in Augusta Treverorum (Trier).
Previous Gallic emperors (claimants) had also ruled from Trier.
 
Arles or Massalia might be a good location as its central to all parts in the Western Empire.
 
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