 The strategic importance of the Duchy of the Pentapolis (Rimini, Pesaro, Fano, Sinigaglia, Ancona) and Perugia were in their ability to retain control of the districts between Ravenna and Rome, and with them communication over the Apennine Mountains.If this strategic connection were broken, it was evident that Rome and Ravenna could not singly maintain themselves for any length of time.This was also recognized by the Lombards.