Venice started as a Byzantine duchy, ruled by a “dux”, but at some point, they started choosing their own dux — or doge. When, or even who, is not clear.
The invasion of the Lombards in 568 was only the first part of the Lombard conquest of the Byzantine province of Venetia.
A list of some of the main events of the Lombard conquest of Byzantine Venetia and other parts of Italy.
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.
Excerpts related to “Venetia” and the “Veneti” from the “Naturalis Historia” by Pliny the Elder (1st century)
The Lombard invasion of Venetia in 568 — from “Historia Langobardorum” by Paul the Deacon.
