Treaty of Pavia

756

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July 23, 2026

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The Treaty of Pavia, signed in 756, was a pivotal agreement that established the Papal States. This treaty, along with the Donation of Pippin, formalized the temporal power of the pope, granting sovereignty over territories in central Italy. The Lombard king Aistulf ceded lands in northern and central Italy to the papacy, effectively creating a new political entity independent of the Byzantine Empire. This marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Italy, laying the groundwork for the papal territories that would exist for centuries.12

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Papal States
Early history
…the same year, by the Treaty of Pavia, the Lombard king Aistulf ceded territory in northern and central Italy. It was probably also about this time that the Donation of Constantine was forged by an unknown cleric in Rome. A legitimate donation by Charlemagne and decrees by Louis the Pious…
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…the same year, by the Treaty of Pavia, the Lombard king Aistulf ceded territory in northern and central Italy. It was probably also about this time that the Donation of Constantine was forged by an unknown cleric in Rome. A legitimate donation by Charlemagne and decrees by Louis the Pious…
Read More