Exotic Gifts and Learned Envoys. Sixth-Century Cultural Diplomacy on the Move

Cultural diplomacy is nowadays considered as a fundamental part of the foreign policy of every major state and has been widely studied in the field of international relations, but only with regard to the modern and above all contemporary world. Were there forms of cultural diplomacy also during the Early Middle Ages? Is it possible to examine them by using the methodological framework normally applied to modern societies? A study of the circulation of exotic gifts and learned envoys in the sixth century shows that knowledge was often employed as means to pursue political goals through embassies. Kings and emperors sent to other rulers ambassadors who were (for instance) doctors or rhetors, rare animals, precious objects or the most intriguing products of late antique technology with the aim of showing their cultural superiority and inspiring respect, while at the same time trying to establish peaceful relations between the respective peoples. Mobility did not apply to envoys alone, but also to gifts and knowledge, which traveled from one country to another together with their bearers, thereby contributing to shape a trans-national elite culture which was shared by all major political players of sixth-century Europe.