Letter 2

From: Theudebert I, King of the Franks (Austrasia) To: Justinian I, Emperor of the Romans Date: ~535 AD Context: As Justinian's forces begin the reconquest of Italy from the Ostrogoths, Theudebert writes regarding the possibilities for military cooperation, positioning Frankish interests carefully. To the most pious and victorious Emperor Justinian, king Theudebert sends greetings, Your campaign to restore Italy to Roman rule has been followed here in Austrasia with great attention and, I will say it plainly, considerable admiration. The speed and discipline of your forces under Belisarius has impressed those who know war from the inside. I write on a matter of military cooperation that I think is in both our interests. The Ostrogothic kingdom in Italy has been an uncomfortable neighbor for us as well as for the Empire; Theoderic's successors have not maintained his shrewdness and his peace, and the instability there has created problems along our southern borders that I would prefer not to have. The Frankish kingdoms have an interest in seeing a stable settlement in Italy, and we have resources — warriors, in particular — that could contribute to achieving it. I do not offer these resources without conditions, because you would not believe me if I did. What I ask is that the settlement of Italy, when it comes, take account of our position in the areas of the old kingdom that border our territory, and that Frankish merchants operating in Italian cities receive the same protections that Roman merchants receive. These are not unreasonable requests. I believe you are a man who honors agreements, and I am willing to be a man who keeps them. Theudebert