It is true that it was a rude and semi-barbarous age, and very little progress had been made in respect to the peaceful and industrial arts of life; but, in respect to the arts connected with war, to every thing that related to the march of armies, the pomp and parade of royal progresses, the caparison of horses, the armor and military dresses of men, and the parade and pageantry of military spectacles, a very considerable degree of advancement had been attained.
King Ethelwolf availed himself of all the resources that he could command to give eclat to his journey.

He had a numerous train of attendants and followers, and he carried with him a number of rich and valuable presents for the pope.

He was received with great distinction by King Charles of France, through whose dominions he had to pass on his way to Italy.

Charles had a daughter, Judith, a young girl with whom Ethelwolf, though now himself quite advanced in life, fell deeply in love.
Ethelwolf, after a short stay in France, went on to Rome.

His arrival and his visit here attracted great attention.