Final answer:
Ravenna was an important and strategic city in the Western Roman Empire, especially during the periods of conflict and cultural integration with barbarian groups such as the Goths and Vandals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ravenna was an important city in the late Roman Empire and served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire for a period. Through the narratives provided, we can understand the complexities of cultural assimilation and transformation as barbarian groups such as the Goths came into contact and conflict with the Roman Empire. For instance, Droctulft, mentioned in Jorge Luis Borges' story, is an example of a barbarian who switched loyalties. This phenomenon was not isolated, as many Germanic tribesmen joined the Roman army and settled along the empire's borders, adopting Roman ways while retaining elements of their own culture. History shows us that cultural interactions were nuanced, and identity was often fluid as evidenced by the acculturation of leaders like Theodoric the Great, who embraced Roman practices while ruling over the Ostrogoths in Italy.