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Authari

Type Figure Region Northern Italy Time c. 547–590 Also known as Autharius

Authari (c. 547–590), son of Kleph, ended the Lombard Kingdom's 'rule of the dukes' in 584, restored unified royal authority, and reigned until 590.

Timeline

  1. c. 547–584Northern Italy · Northern ItalyAuthari was the son of Kleph. After his father was assassinated in 574, the kingdom entered a period of 'rule of the dukes', with about thirty-five dukes each holding territory and the throne left vacant for ten years. During this period, Authari was recognized by the dukes as the legitimate heir in his capacity as the former prince.
  2. 584–588Pavia · LombardyIn 584, the dukes elected Authari as king, ending ten years of division. He adopted the title 'Flavius' to emphasize his connection to the legal tradition of the Roman Empire, and reclaimed half the territories from the dukes to enrich the royal domain and strengthen central authority. He then concluded a three-year truce with Byzantium, buying the kingdom a period of rest.
  3. 589–590Pavia · LombardyIn 589, Authari married Theodelinda, daughter of Garibald I, Duke of Bavaria; this marriage helped consolidate relations between the Lombards and the Frankish world. On September 5, 590, Authari died suddenly in Pavia under mysterious circumstances, with suspicions of poisoning. Theodelinda subsequently married Agilulf, Duke of Turin, continuing the kingdom's process of Catholicization.

Sources