This work vividly traces, through coins and other contemporary evidence, the Popes' long struggle for independence from the control of secular rulers and their final success in the founding of a sovereign Papal State. This book illustrates the evolution of the medieval papacy in response to the economic, political and military challenges of Dark Ages Europe and the rise of the Italian city republics. This story is given perspective by a brief introduction to the development of the Papacy during the period of early Christianaity. An intriguing numismatic tale for students not only of Papal history, but also for those interested in the Byzantine and Holy Roman Empires. Newly revised to incorporate recent discoveries such as the Tiber Hoard. Written by the author of the international standard, Papal Coins.
The above book has been granted Impramatur and Nihil Obstat by the Catholic Church.
165 pages, plus 3 plates and 5 maps.