The Rule of the Dukes is an interregnum in the Lombard Kingdom of Italy (574/5–584/5) during which Italy is ruled by the Lombard dukes of the old Roman provinces and urban centers.
The interregnum is said to have lasted ten years according to Paul the Deacon, but all other sources—the Fredegarii Chronicon, the Origo Gentis Langobardorum, the Chronicon Gothanum, and the Copenhagen continuator of Prosper Tiro—accord it twelve.
