Rome in the seventh century
Thomas F. X. Noble
Let us begin by considering four texts that together symbolize both the concrete and imaginary history of Rome in seventh century. The first is account Liber pontificalis visit Emperor Constans II to 663 during pontificate Vitalian (657–72), very pope who sent Theodore England. Some years earlier had seized brutalized Pope Martin I because pontiff's unbreakable opposition imperial religious policy his having summoned a Lateran council proclaim opposition. sought better relations with Constantinople and, immediately after election, he wrote Patriarch Peter ambiguous conciliatory terms. He omitted all mention Council 649. responded rich gifts confirmation privileges Roman see. A few later emperor visited Rome. received him due honours but endure three calculated blows. issued privilege for Maurus Ravenna made archbishop city autocephalous, effectively independent also laid harsh tax requirements on southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia North Africa. Finally, plundered pagan Christian monuments Rome, stripping them their bronze coverings fittings leaving weakened suitable only salvage.
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