Building Baptism: Theology and Ritual in the Structure and Interior Decoration of the Neonian Baptistery of Ravenna

The Neonian Baptistery, also known as the Orthodox Baptistery, was built in Ravenna, Italy by Bishop Ursus in the late fourth-century. Christian theology revolving around baptism is built into the structure of the baptistery and is undeniably the driving force for the way the space was meant to be used and experienced by 4th century Byzantines. The connection between structure and decoration to ritual and theology are undoubtedly interdependent. Through the ritual and theology of baptism, one can see how the Neonian Baptistery becomes a physical manifestation of the divine liturgical rite as reflected in the mosaic program of the interior decoration as well as the physical structure of the building itself