Intended as a sequel to Rome in the Eighth Century (Cambridge, 2020), this survey of the material culture of the city of Rome spans the period from the imperial coronation of Charlemagne in 800 to the nadir of the fortunes of the Roman Church a century later. The evidence of standing buildings, objects, historical documents, and archaeology is brought together to create an integrated picture of the political, economic, and cultural situation in the city over this period, one characterized initially by substantial wealth resulting in enormous patronage of art and architecture, but then followed by almost total impoverishment and collapse. John Osborne also attempts to correct the widespread notion that the Franco-papal alliance of the late eighth century led to a political and cultural break between Rome and the broader cultural world of the Christian eastern Mediterranean. Beautifully illustrated, this book is essential for everyone interested in medieval Rome.

Winner, 2024 Premio Daria Borghese

‘… the strength of this book is, in my opinion, that of being able to present itself as an opening. … it offers a new push to a new impetus to an early medieval Rome that was always open.’

Chiara Croci Source: Byzantine Review

‘Through the lens of material culture and his unmatched knowledge of it, Osborne offers the reader an unusual overview of the history of Rome in the ninth century … in this book Osborne has distilled a lifetime dedication to the art and architecture of early medieval Rome, offering readers a fresh look at the monuments, their legacy, and old historiographical questions through a careful analysis of recent interpretations and an incomparable knowledge of evidence and sources.’

Francesca Dell’Acqua Source: Speculum