Early Peril Lost Faith: Italy between Byzantines and Lombards in the Early Years of the Lombard Settlement, A.D. 568–608

This monograph deals with the first years of the Lombard presence in Italy (A.D. 568-608), when they had to fight their way against the Byzantines and accommodate themselves side by side with the Italian population. Armies, popes, officials, emperors and kings all had a role to play and they parade during the pages of the present book. The author considers all available data concerning the invasion of Italy by the Lombards, the Byzantine reaction, the involvement of the Franks, the role of popes and ecclesiastics as well as the personalities and conduct of Lombard kings and dukes. Its conclusion finds the Lombards firmly settled, the Byzantines ready to accept this fact and the popes gradually assessing greater control not only in the affairs of Italy but of the rest of western Europe as well.