 The strengthening of royal powers, started by Autari and continued by Agilulf, also marked the transition to a new concept based on stable territorial division of the kingdom into Duchies.Each duchy was led by a Duke, not just the head of a fara but also a royal official, the depository of public powers.The locations of the duchies were established in strategically important centers, thus furthering the development of many urban centers placed along the main communication routes of the time "(Cividale del Friuli"