[23] See above, [pp. 284], [285].
[24] Unless we except the momentary existence of the first Septinsular Republic, to be spoken of below.
[25] The longer form Λογγιβαρδία clave to this theme, while the Greeks learned to apply the contracted form Λαμπαρδοί to the Lombards of Northern Italy.
[26] A temporary Bulgarian occupation seems clear from Einhard, Annals, 827, 828. But on the supposed existence of a Bulgarian duchy in the present Hungary see Roesler, Romänische Studien, 201.
[27] It must be remembered that δεσπότης was and is a common Byzantine title, with no worse meaning than dominus or any of the words which translate it.
[28] On this very singular, but very obscure, little state see our own Benedict (ii. 199) and Roger of Howden (iii. 161, 269), and the Ghibeline Annals of Placentia, Pertz, xix. 468. See also Hopf, Geschichte Griechenlands, vi. 161.