The Kings of the Lombards or reges Langobardorum (singular rex Langobardorum) ruled that Germanic people from early in the sixth century until the Lombardic identity became lost in the ninth and tenth centuries. After 568, the Lombard kings sometimes styled themselves Kings of Italy (rex totius Italiae). After 774, they were not Lombards, but Franks. The Iron Crown of Lombardy (Corona Ferrea) was used for the coronation of the Lombard kings and the kings of Italy thereafter for centuries.
The primary sources for the Lombard kings before the Frankish conquest are the anonymous 7th-century Origo Gentis Langobardorum and the 8th-century Historia Langobardorum of Paul the Deacon. The earliest kings (the pre-Lethings) listed in the Origo are almost certainly legendary. They purportedly reigned during the Migration Period. The first ruler attested independently of Lombard tradition is Tato.
Early rulers
Legendary rulers
- Agelmund
- Lamissio
- Ybor and Agio, brothers, together with their mother Gambara (led the emigration from Scandinavia)
- Agilmund, son of Agion
- Laiamicho
The Lethings were an early dynasty from the time of Lethuc. The last ruling descendant of Lethuc was Walthari, whose son was in turn displaced by Audoin of the family of the Gausi.
- Lethuc (fl. c. 400), ruled for some 40 years.
- Aldihoc (mid 5th century)
- Godehoc (480s), led the Lombards into modern-day Austria
- Claffo (fl. c. 500)
- Tato (early 6th century, died perhaps 510), his son Ildichus died in exile
- Wacho (died 539), son of Unichus
- Waltari (539–546), son of Wacho
Kings in Italy
- See also: Kingdom of the Lombards
Unnamed dynasty
- Rule of the Dukes (Ten year interregnum)
Non-dynastic king
Non-dynastic kings
Charlemagne conquered the Lombards in 774 at the invitation of Pope Adrian I.
The title rex Langobardorum, synonymous with rex Italiae, lasted well into the High Middle Ages, but subsequent holders are found at King of Italy.
Sources
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