Early Peril Lost Faith

This monograph examines the first four decades of Lombard presence in Italy (AD 568-608), a formative period marked by conflict, political rivalry and cultural accommodation. Following their invasion, the Lombards fought to establish themselves against Byzantine forces while adapting to life alongside the Italian population.Drawing on the available historical evidence, the book explores the Lombard invasion, the Byzantine response, Frankish involvement, and the roles of popes and ecclesiastical figures. It also examines the personalities, policies and conduct of Lombard kings and dukes, alongside the actions of Byzantine emperors and officials.By the end of the period, the Lombards had become firmly established in Italy, while the Byzantines increasingly accepted their presence. At the same time, the papacy was gradually expanding its influence, not only over Italian affairs but across Western Europe, shaping the political landscape of the early medieval West.