The spreading of Christianity took place under the empire of Augusto when in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. His religion was brought to Rome by Pietro. Apollinare, a young follower of Pietro worked for thirty years between Classe and Ravenna to implant Christianity. Apollinare was persecuted by pagan priests, stoned to death and buried in Classe on the 23rd July of the year 74 AD. He later became the Patron Saint of Ravenna and the Basilica in Classe dedicated to him attracts many visitors. Once the Roman Empire declined, also Ravenna suffered a period of decay. Later on in 402 AD, Onorio left Milan to take sanctuary in Ravenna, which was chosen to become the capital of the Western Roman Empire which lasted only until 476 AD when Odoacre chief of the Eruli, came to Italy, conquered Ravenna and deposed the Emperor Romolo Augustolo. During the Empire of Onorio, Ravenna was the designated venue of important events like the fortunes of Galla Placidia and the erection of the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, desired by Galla Placidia herself.