John was the Frankish Duke of Istria in the early years of the 9th century, soon after its conquest by Charlemagne.
In 804, in the Placitum of Riziano, the denizens of the nine cities of Istria complained to Charlemagne that John was ignoring their ancient privileges.
He seized lands and confiscated the taxes (344 solidi mancusi annually from the cities) for himself.
He forced many to serve in the army personally, alongside their slaves, and to demand corvée labour.
John explained that he had been ignorant of the customs of Istria and promised to make amends and ceased exacting corvées.