Agilulf

Type Figure Region Northern Italy Time c. 555–616 Also known as Agilulf, King of the Lombards

Agilulf (c. 555–616), formerly Duke of Turin, became king of the Lombards (590–616) as Queen Theodelinda's husband and repelled Byzantine attacks.

Timeline

c. 555–590Turin · PiedmontOf Thuringian origin, Agilulf held an important strategic position in the northwest of the Lombard kingdom as Duke of Turin. He showed his ability in the later period of the "rule of the dukes", and in 590, after Authari's death, Queen Theodelinda chose him as her second husband, which gave him the opportunity to succeed to the throne.
590–600Pavia · LombardyAfter marrying Theodelinda in 590, Agilulf was raised as king by the Lombard nobles. He repelled Byzantine counterattacks in northern Italy and once led troops close to Rome, but through repeated mediation and diplomatic efforts by Pope Gregory I the two sides gradually moved toward partial reconciliation. Agilulf himself was an Arian, but he tolerated Theodelinda's efforts to promote Catholicism.
600–616Pavia · LombardyEntering the 7th century, Agilulf continued to consolidate the kingdom, maintained peaceful relations with the Franks, and negotiated several truces with the Byzantines. After his death around 616 his son Adaloald succeeded under Theodelinda's regency. Agilulf's reign of more than twenty years moved the Lombard kingdom from the turmoil of its founding years toward relative stability.