Ravenna (anc. Ravenna). An important city of Central Italy, 43 miles east-southeast from Bologna, 41⁄2 miles from the Adriatic. Augustus made it a first-class seaport and naval station. It was taken by Odoacer, then by Theodoric, and by Totila; was subdued by the Lombards in 752, and their king, Astolphus, in 754, surrendered it to Pepin, king of France. In 1275, Guido da Polenta conquered it. Ravenna was afterwards taken by the Venetians, who kept it till 1509. Under the walls of Ravenna a battle was fought between the French under Gaston de Foix (duke of Nemours and nephew of Louis XII.) and the Spanish and Papal armies. The confederate army was cut to pieces. De Foix perished in the moment of his victory, and his death closed the good fortune of the French in Italy. Ravenna became a part of the kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Ravine. In field fortification, a deep hollow, usually formed by a great flood, or long-continued running of water; frequently turned to advantage in the field.
Raw. Unseasoned, unripe in skill, wanting knowledge in tactics.
Raw Troops. Are inexperienced soldiers, or men who have been little accustomed to the use of arms.
Razant. See [Rasante].
Razed. Works or fortifications are said to be razed when they are totally demolished.
Razzia. A plundering and destructive incursion.
Readiness. A state of alertness or preparation; thus, to hold a corps in readiness, is to have it prepared in consequence of some previous order to march at a moment’s notice.
Reading. A town of England, in Berkshire, on the Kennet, 36 miles west by south from London. In 871 it was in possession of the Danes, who, after resisting an assault of the West Saxons, were in the following year obliged to evacuate it. In 1006 they again made their appearance, and burned the town. In the civil war of the 17th century Reading was at different times in the possession of both parties, and suffered much during the contest.
Ready. In tactics, a word of command in firing, being a contraction of make ready.