Gepid Expedition in Lombardy (The Ashes of Rome Map Game)

The Gepid Expedition in Lombardy was a military expedition against the Kingdom of Lombardy in order to help the Frankish Empire and to avenge the raiding on their coasts made by the Lombards.

Backgrounds
At the end of the 7th century, Lombardy was invaded during a three sided war against the Frankish Empire, the Gothic Empire and the Rus Principality. After the war, they were left with only Gotland.

During the War for the Ashes of Rome, the Lombards began to attack the Frankish Empire, hoping to regain their old homeland. This was well recieved by the Lombard population on the mainland, and lead to a massive war between the two nations.

Between 745 and 750, the Lombards raided the Gepid coasts in order to pressure them to support their cause. This had the opposite effect, creating an anti-Lombard feeling among the population. The Consul of the time, Vithimiric Aric, warned the Lombards, saying that should a Lombard ship be seen again in around the Gepid coasts, it would be war.

In 765, the Lombards tried to pass the Black Sea by rushing to the Mediterranian to attack the Franks. But the small fleet they sent was destroyed by Byzantine ships.Using this as an excuse, and on the idea of helping their Frankish allies, the Consul Americ Valomer declared war against Lombardy, and sent an expedition lead by his son Gaiseric Valomer to beat the Lombards into submission. He also posted a fleet in the entrance of the Danube, hoping it would stop the Lombards from raiding again.