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The Mausoleum of Gallia Placidia (mid 5th century). This tiny mausoleum is all that remains of a vast church/monastery complex built by the Empress Mother Gallia Placidia. It would be fair to say that the women of the Theodosian dynasty were made of sterner stuff than their menfolk. Gallia ruled the western empire with her daughter on behalf of her son, Valentian II. She was forced to deal with Goths and Vandal invasions and had a pretty rocky career. The mausoleum held the tombs of her son and several other family members. Inside is a riot of fabulous mosaic work that gives an impression of twilight. Unfortunately my photos didn't really work out.
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Western Europe
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