9. King Theodoric to the Possessores, Defensores, and Curiales[282] dwelling at Aestunae[283].

Marbles for Ravenna.

'We wish to build new edifices without despoiling the old[284]. But we are informed that in your municipality there are blocks of masonry and columns formerly belonging to some building now lying absolutely useless and unhonoured. If it be so, send these slabs of marble[285] and columns[286] by all means to Ravenna, that they may be again made beautiful and take their place in a building there.'