The invasions and the foundation of the Visigothic, Vandal, Frankish, Ostrogothic, and Lombard kingdoms destroyed the unity of the empire and its civilisation; the victorious campaigns of Justinian's commanders in Italy, Africa, and Spain brought about no lasting change in the situation. In north and central Italy only Rome and its environs, and coastal strips, above all Ravenna and Naples, remained outside Lombard rule. There followed a period during which cultural life had to be built up with great effort in the areas overwhelmed and often wasted by the barbarian invasions, as well as in the countries that were newly won over to Roman Christianity. Because Latin was taken over too by the conquerors as the language of religious service, of law, and of administration, sooner or later, along with the transmission from the early church, what remained of the ancient heritage could become fruitful once again.

The bonding force was the church. Of the popes, none did as much as Gregory the Great for the preservation of the unity of the Catholic West through the invigoration of diplomatic and ecclesiastical connections. Because his works were copied in Rome he was able to send manuscripts to queens Theodelinde and Brunhilda, and to the Spanish bishops. At least one authentic original manuscript from his scriptorium is preserved, the Regula pastoralis in Troyes 504, written in calligraphic uncial.