The Republic of St. Peter : the birth of the Papal State, 680-825

__The Republic of St. Peter__ seeks to reclaim for central Italy an important part of its own history. Noble's thesis is at once original and controversial: that the Republic, an independent political entity, was in existence by the 730s and was not a creation of the Franks in the 750s. Noble examines the political, economic, and religious problems that impelled the central Italians—and a succession of resolute popes—to seek emancipation from the Byzantine Empire. He delineates the social structures and historical traditions that produced a distinctive political society, describes the complete governmental apparatus of the Republic, and provides a comprehensive assessment of the Franco-papal alliance.

The Republic of St. Peter seeks to reclaim for central Italy an important part of its own history. Noble's thesis is at once original and controversial: that the Republic, an independent political entity, was in existence by the 730s and was not a creation of the Franks in the 750s.

Noble examines the political, economic, and religious problems that impelled the central Italians—and a succession of resolute popes—to seek emancipation from the Byzantine Empire. He delineates the social structures and historical traditions that produced a distinctive political society, describes the complete governmental apparatus of the Republic, and provides a comprehensive assessment of the Franco-papal alliance.

Contents List Of Maps Abbreviations Acknowledgments Introduction One. Pax Haliae Two. St. Peter's Peculiar People Three. St. Peter's Strong Right Arm Four. Our Beloved Son Desiderius Five. Multis Documentis: Hadrian, Charlemagne, And The Republic Of St. Peter Six. The Governors Of The Republic Seven. The Governance Of The Republic Eight. Amicitia, Pax Et Caritas: The Franco-Papal Alliance Nine. The Republic And The Franks Conclusion Bibliography Index