Desiderius
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Desiderius was the last king of the Lombards, ruling from 756 to 774 CE. The Lombards were a Germanic people who established a kingdom in Italy after migrating from Pannonia in 568 CE. Desiderius's reign was marked by his invasion of papal territories, which prompted Pope Adrian I to seek assistance from Charlemagne, the king of the Franks. In 773 CE, Charlemagne invaded Italy, besieged Pavia, and captured Desiderius, ending Lombard rule in Italy.1
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Pippin IIIPippin and Pope Stephen II…April 757 a new king, Desiderius, became ruler of the Lombards. That year Stephen II also died, and Paul I was elected pope. He, too, constantly wrote to Pippin asking for help.
Read More…April 757 a new king, Desiderius, became ruler of the Lombards. That year Stephen II also died, and Paul I was elected pope. He, too, constantly wrote to Pippin asking for help.
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ItalyThe Lombard kingdom, 584–774Aistulf’s successor, Desiderius (757–774), allied himself by marriage with the Franks and kept control of the southern duchies. But when he too threatened Rome in 772–773, the Frankish king, Charlemagne, invaded and this time conquered the Lombard kingdom outright (773–774). Italy became absorbed into the Carolingian lands…
Read MoreAistulf’s successor, Desiderius (757–774), allied himself by marriage with the Franks and kept control of the southern duchies. But when he too threatened Rome in 772–773, the Frankish king, Charlemagne, invaded and this time conquered the Lombard kingdom outright (773–774). Italy became absorbed into the Carolingian lands…
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