The Lombard Kingdom was a significant historical entity in medieval Europe, established by the Lombards, a Germanic tribe, after their conquest of parts of Italy. Here are key points about the Lombard Kingdom:
- Foundation: The kingdom was established in 568 AD when Alboin, the Lombard king, led his people into northern Italy, displacing the Byzantine Empire from much of the peninsula.
- Expansion and Rule: After Alboin's death, the Lombards expanded their control over much of Italy, although they never fully united the peninsula. They established several duchies which often acted autonomously, leading to a fragmented rule.
- Capital: The capital of the Lombard Kingdom was initially set at Pavia, which became a significant center for Lombard power and culture.
- Religion: Initially pagan, the Lombards converted to Arianism and later to Catholicism under King Liutprand in the 8th century, which helped to integrate them more fully into the Roman Christian culture of Italy.
- Culture and Influence: The Lombards left a lasting cultural impact, particularly in the legal field with the Lombard Law or Edictum Rothari, which influenced Italian legal systems for centuries.
- End of the Kingdom: The Lombard rule came to an end in 774 when Charlemagne, king of the Franks, conquered the Lombards. Charlemagne was crowned King of the Lombards, integrating the kingdom into his growing Carolingian Empire.
- Legacy: The Lombard Kingdom's legacy includes contributions to Italian architecture, law, and the eventual integration of Italy into broader European political and cultural structures.
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