Could the Byzantine Empire Have Occupied Rome During the Lombard Period?

The question of whether the Byzantine Empire could have occupied Rome during the Lombard period is a complex one, given the historical context and the strategic challenges faced by the Byzantines. Despite multiple attempts by various factions, Rome remained a Byzantine territory under the Duchy of Rome until 756, when it became independent thanks to the military assistance of the Franks.

Failed Attempts to Conquer Rome

The Lombards, known for their prowess and military campaigns, never managed to conquer Rome despite numerous attempts. The campaign of Emperor Justinian to reunite the Roman Empire had already demonstrated the impracticality of maintaining such vast territories. The eastern frontier of the Byzantine Empire was continuously under threat, and it required nearly all available military resources to defend these borders. As a result, when the Lombards invaded the Italian Peninsula around 560 AD, there were only the troops of the Exarchate of Ravenna to defend the lands left by the Byzantines.

Byzantine Defenses in Northern Italy

Soon, in Northern Italy, only Rome and Ravenna remained under Byzantine control. Weak attempts to recapture these territories did not succeed, despite the constant urgent appeals from the Pope. These desperate calls led to a growing mistrust and ultimately hostility toward the Byzantine Empire, contributing to the Schism of the Churches. The city of Rome itself fell in 772, but this wasn’t a permanent loss for the Byzantines, as relief came through the Franks in 774, who agreed to create a papal state. The Franks, under Charlemagne, successfully provided defense against the Lombards.

Strategic Considerations and Limitations of the Byzantine Empire

During this period, the Byzantine Empire faced numerous challenges from multiple directions. The 26-year war with the Sassanids further depleted the empire's resources and strained its military capacity. The emergence of Islam and the Arab caliphates also caused significant upheaval, leading to two sieges of Constantinople. Additionally, the arrival of the Bulgars in the Balkans further complicated the Byzantine military situation.

Given these factors, the Byzantine Empire was not in a position to assert significant dominance in Italy. Emperor Maurice made strategic decisions to secure the Balkans, focusing on areas that had a direct impact on the empire's stability and security. The Byzantine Empire was grappling with multiple threats from different directions, which limited its ability to focus on maintaining control over Rome.

The Role of the Franks and the Papacy

The emergence of the Franks and the Papacy provided a buffer against the Lombard threat. While the Byzantines did not actively participate in the defense of the Lombards, their inability to defend the Italian territories further contributed to the development of the Papal States. In 800, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Roman Empire, a move that the Byzantines largely ignored, continuing to recognize the Western Roman Empire, which they believed should have an emperor.

In conclusion, while the Byzantine Empire made attempts to maintain control over Rome, the combination of internal and external pressures, coupled with the strategic decisions made by Byzantine leaders, made it impossible for them to permanently occupy Rome during the Lombard period.