Isometric embeddings of compact spaces into Banach spaces (Q935063)

A subset \(M\) of a Banach space \(X\) is called an isometrically representing set if every Banach space containing a subset isometric to \(M\) already contains a subset isometric to \(X\). (By a result of \textit{G.\,Godefroy} and \textit{N.\,J.\thinspace Kalton} [Stud.\ Math.\ 159, No.\,1, 121--141 (2003; Zbl 1059.46058)], it must then contain a subspace linearly isometric to \(X\).) It seems to be unknown whether there are any Banach spaces without isometrically representing subsets. Here it is shown that every separable commutative unital \(C^*\)-algebra admits a compact isometrically representing set, and so does \(\ell_1\). A concrete description of these representing sets is given. It is also shown that every finite-dimensional polyhedral space is isometrically represented by its unit ball, and so is \(c_0\).