Byzantine Italy

Byzantine Italy

Byzantine Italy refers to the territories in the Italian Peninsula that were under the control of the Byzantine Empire from the 6th to the 11th centuries. This period was marked by the struggle between the Byzantines and various Germanic tribes, as well as the rise of the Lombards and the eventual decline of Byzantine influence in the region.

Historical Background

Justinian's Reconquest

In the 6th century, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I embarked on a campaign to reconquer the western territories of the former Roman Empire. This campaign, known as the Gothic War (535–554), aimed to restore Roman control over Italy, which had been under the rule of the Ostrogoths. The war was long and devastating, but ultimately successful, leading to the re-establishment of Byzantine rule over much of Italy.

The Exarchate of Ravenna

Following the Gothic War, the Byzantines established the Exarchate of Ravenna as the administrative center of their Italian territories. The Exarchate was a unique form of governance that combined civil and military authority under the exarch, who acted as the emperor's representative. This system was designed to maintain control over the region and defend against external threats.

The Lombard Invasion

In 568, the Lombards, a Germanic tribe, invaded Italy and quickly conquered large portions of the peninsula. The Byzantines were unable to prevent the Lombard advance, and their control was reduced to a few coastal areas and isolated enclaves, including Ravenna, Rome, and parts of southern Italy.

Byzantine Influence in Southern Italy

Despite the loss of much of northern and central Italy, the Byzantines maintained a significant presence in the south. The regions of Calabria, Apulia, and parts of Campania remained under Byzantine control and were collectively known as the Theme of Longobardia. These areas served as important centers of Byzantine culture and administration.

Decline of Byzantine Power

By the 8th century, Byzantine power in Italy began to wane due to internal strife and external pressures. The rise of the Franks under Charlemagne and the increasing threat from the Saracens further weakened Byzantine influence. In 751, the Lombards captured Ravenna, effectively ending the Exarchate.

The End of Byzantine Italy

By the 11th century, Byzantine control in Italy was limited to a few southern territories. The Normans, led by Robert Guiscard, gradually conquered these areas, culminating in the fall of Bari in 1071, which marked the end of Byzantine rule in Italy.

Legacy

The Byzantine period in Italy left a lasting impact on the region's art, architecture, and culture. The fusion of Byzantine and local traditions can be seen in the mosaics of Ravenna and the architectural styles of southern Italy. The Byzantine influence also played a role in the development of the Italian Renaissance.

See Also

• Byzantine Empire
• Gothic War (535–554)
• Exarchate of Ravenna
• Lombards
• Norman conquest of southern Italy

References

• Brown, T. S. (1984). The Byzantine Empire. London: Macmillan.
• Norwich, J. J. (1997). A Short History of Byzantium. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.