John I (exarch)

John I served as the Exarch of Ravenna, a representative of the Byzantine Emperor in Italy, from 615 until 619. He succeeded John I of Naples, creating some historical ambiguity in the naming convention. Little is known definitively about his administration beyond the fact he held the position during a turbulent period. The Exarchate of Ravenna was facing pressure from the Lombards, who were encroaching on Byzantine territories. John I's reign was characterized by ongoing conflicts with Lombard dukes and the inherent instability that defined the Exarchate's existence. He was eventually succeeded by Eleutherius.