In this episode, we set the scene for the events that will result in the creation of what would become the Papal States and, later, Vatican City. Specifically, we describe Italy in 750 A.D., a tiny sliver of which is still part of the Roman Empire (aka the Byzantine Empire) but is surrounded by a hostile barbarian people called the Lombards. The Romans, led by their bishop (whom we call the pope), should be able to count on support from the emperor in Constantinople, but he is distracted by threats closer to home: the Muslims and the Bulgars. In addition, the Emperor Constantine V Copronymus is estranged from his subjects over his ban on icons. Much of the episode is devoted to explaining how the bishop of Rome came to have unique authority among Europe's Christians.