Meanwhile, the necessity for providing for the defence of the imperial territories against the Lombards led to the formation of local militias, who at first were attached to the imperial regiments, but gradually became independent, as they were recruited entirely locally.
Vahepeal viis vajadus keiserlike territooriumite kaitsmiseks langobardide vastu kohaliku miilitsa moodustamiseni, kes esialgu liideti keiserlike rügementidega, kuid muutusid järk-järgult sõltumatuks, kuna neid värvati täiesti koha peal.