Spanning from Charlemagne's coronation in 800 to the decline of the Roman Church a century later, this work examines Rome's material culture through architecture, artifacts, and historical texts. It highlights the city's initial wealth and artistic patronage, followed by a period of impoverishment and decline. John Osborne challenges the belief that the Franco-papal alliance caused a cultural rift between Rome and the eastern Mediterranean. Richly illustrated, this book is vital for those interested in the complexities of medieval Rome.
