Concluding Thoughts

This study has shown that, notwithstanding the strength of the ‘Roman’ past of these 3 post-Byzantine cities, there are considerable differences between them both quantitatively and qualitatively as to the understanding, use or interest. This tradition meant different things to different city actors, and in practice, it was often and increasingly mixed up with the other traditions, Lombard and Frankish especially, which made up the lifestyle of other Italian cities and regions. To what extent these cities were unique or different from other Byzantine ones, such as Naples, or to those without this tradition, such as Pavia or Milan, would be a most desirable follow-up in another study.