Table of Contents

1) Origins of the Lombards. Ethnicity, mythological identities and the history of old people" according to origo gentis Langobardorum" (i.e. origin of Longobards people). A description of ancient traditions will also be provided, such as the change of their name from Winnili" to Longobards" directly by Wotan will. 2) The ancient battles (from first to sixth century A.D.) The descriptions of the military tradition of the Lombards during the first period of migration. The battles and their equipment will be described in accordance with the few written primary sources available (especially by Historia Langobardorum" by Paul the Deacon) and other material available, such as archeological finds. 3) The Lombard society during the migration. A description of Lombard society through the centuries. From a nomadic people to sedentary communities. Some particular figures will be described, such as: women, warriors, priests, dukes etc... 4) The arrival in Italy. The constitution of the first duchy and the reign. Byzantine response led by kuropalates Baduarius and the great battle against the Lombards. The Byzantine military defenses. Relationships between the Lombard and Byzantine peoples will also be explored. 5) The wars between the Byzantines and the Lombards in Italy (568-688 A.D.). The military expedition of Exarchus Romanus. The conquests of Autari, Agilulf, and finally the big battle of Scultenna, between the Lombard king Alboin and the Exarchus Isacius. 6) The fall of the reign. The battles against the Franks. The Principality of Benevento and the continuation of the political and military Lombard entity. 7) Lombards in Southern Italy. The great battle against Adelchi, who led the Byzantine troops and the Duke of Benevento. The war against the Arabs. The Byzantine reconquering of southern Italy. The division of power into small political identities. The arrival of the Normans. The fall of Salerno in 1076.

About the Author

Nicola Bergamo is a doctoral student and history teacher who has written extensively on Byzantine history. This is his first work in English Giuseppe Rava was born in Faenza on July 16th 1963. Since he was a child, he loved history very much, especially military history. That mainly was due to the stories his father Tommaso told him about his experiences in the World War II. Instead, his passion for uniforms comes from his mother Giovanna, a tailor. He is recognized as one of the leading illustrators of military history today.