The doges Deusdedit (742-755), Galla (755–756), Domenico Monegario (756–764), Maurizio Galbaio (764–787) and his son Giovanni (787–804), from the “Istoria Veneticorum” by John the Deacon.
The Lombard invasion of Byzantine Italy in 568 was a pivotal event in Venetian history, as it kicked off the movement towards a distinct Venetian society, culture and, ultimately, state.
In late Antiquity the north-east of the Italian peninsula suffered many invasions. The wars caused people to move to the safer lagoon areas, and hence to the foundation of Venice.