551 The Franks finally subdue the Thuringians. Byzantine monks coming back from a voyage to China smuggle silkworms in Europe. Romancia (the soutwestern part of former Roman Rhaetia) overthrows local Frankish suzerainty with help from Totila. Additional troops from Byzantine Africa and Moorish/Berber mercenaries join Belisarius and Totila’s army in Italy. 552-554 The Sabirs of Caucasia reject their old alliance with Persia in favor of Byzantium and invade Caucasian Albania/Azerbaigian, but their attack ends in defeat.