Following the Gothic War (535–554), and until the arrival of the Normans, much of Southern Italy's destiny was linked to the fortunes of the Eastern Empire, even though Byzantine domination was challenged in the 9th century by the Lombards, who annexed the area of Cosenza to their Duchy of Benevento.
Pärast Gooti sõda (535–554) ja enne normannide saabumist oli enamus Lõuna-Itaalia saatusest seotud Idaimpeeriumi eduga, kuigi Bütsantsi ülemvõimu ähvardasid 9. sajandil langobardid, kes annekteerisid Cosenza piirkonna oma Benevento hertsogkonnale.