Introduction

This chapter considers the general problem – not only for the people but also for the contemporaries – of defining spheres or 'circles' of politico-military power and culture, and of examining how they interacted. Charlemagne had, then, in his negotiations with Byzantium in 810–812– and indeed earlier – to reckon with the persistent appeal of its Soft Power in newly subjugated regions such as Northern and Central Italy. One may, after all, discern a certain sense of partnership in much earlier correspondence between 'Romans' and Franks. Although the Upper Adriatic and the Italian peninsula were peripheral to Charlemagne and the Byzantine emperor alike, neither ruler was willing to let them pass entirely into the sphere of influence of the other. There were many images of the emperor on display in urban centres of the Upper Adriatic, even if few matched the San Vitale's in quality.