Theodelinda

queen of Lombard

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June 17, 2026

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Theodelinda was a Catholic princess of the Lombards, a Germanic people who ruled a kingdom in Italy from 568 to 774 CE. She became queen consort of the Lombards through her marriage to King Authari and later to his successor, Agilulf. Theodelinda played a significant role in converting the Lombards from Arianism to orthodox Christianity, a process that occurred in the latter part of the 7th century. Her influence helped foster a more peaceful coexistence between the Lombards and the Catholic Church, contributing to the integration of Lombard society into the broader Christian world of the time.12

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Italy
The Lombard kingdom, 584–774
…dynasty—the family of Agilulf’s wife, Theodelinda—dominated the succession; kings who were not members of this family, such as Rothari and Grimoald of Benevento (662–671), married into it. Grimoald was the only southern duke to claim the throne of Pavia; like Rothari, he fought the Byzantines and made laws. Male-line Bavarian…
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…dynasty—the family of Agilulf’s wife, Theodelinda—dominated the succession; kings who were not members of this family, such as Rothari and Grimoald of Benevento (662–671), married into it. Grimoald was the only southern duke to claim the throne of Pavia; like Rothari, he fought the Byzantines and made laws. Male-line Bavarian…
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metalwork
Early Christian and Byzantine
…book covers inscribed by Queen Theodolinda (cathedral of Monza, Italy). The book covers are set with pearls, gems, and cameos and decorated with gold cloisonné work inlaid with garnets, a popular style among the Germanic peoples. Inlaid cloisonné jewelry reached an especially high standard of workmanship in Britain, as is…
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…book covers inscribed by Queen Theodolinda (cathedral of Monza, Italy). The book covers are set with pearls, gems, and cameos and decorated with gold cloisonné work inlaid with garnets, a popular style among the Germanic peoples. Inlaid cloisonné jewelry reached an especially high standard of workmanship in Britain, as is…
Read More