Aistulf

king of the Lombards

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June 18, 2026

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Aistulf was the king of the Lombards from 749 to 756 CE. He followed the policies of his predecessor, Liutprand, by expanding Lombard control. Aistulf conquered Ravenna in 751, ending the Byzantine Exarchate, and also took control of the Duchy of Spoleto. He then began demanding tribute from Rome, putting pressure on the Pope.1

The Lombards were a Germanic people who invaded Italy in 568 CE. They established a kingdom that lasted for over two centuries, with their capital eventually at Pavia. The Lombard kingdom was characterized by a series of kings who consolidated power, issued laws, and engaged in conflicts with the Byzantine Empire and the Papacy. The Lombard rule in Italy ended in 774 when Charlemagne conquered their kingdom.12

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Italy
The Lombard kingdom, 584–774
Aistulf (749–756) followed Liutprand’s policies to their logical conclusion: he conquered Ravenna in 751, ending the exarchate; he ruled in Spoleto without a duke from 751 to 756; and in 752 he began to move on Rome, demanding tribute from the pope. But times had…
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Aistulf (749–756) followed Liutprand’s policies to their logical conclusion: he conquered Ravenna in 751, ending the exarchate; he ruled in Spoleto without a duke from 751 to 756; and in 752 he began to move on Rome, demanding tribute from the pope. But times had…
Read More