Longobardi

Longobardi, also known as Lombards, were a Germanic people who played a significant role in the history of early medieval Europe. Emerging from Scandinavia, they migrated southwards and entered the Roman Empire in the 6th century. Their most notable achievement was the conquest of the Italian peninsula in 568 CE, establishing a kingdom that would endure for over two centuries.

The Lombard kingdom in Italy was characterized by a dual structure, with a strong monarchy often at odds with powerful dukes who governed semi-autonomous regions. This internal tension shaped much of their political history. They adopted many Roman administrative and legal practices, while also retaining their Germanic traditions and social organization. Their impact on the linguistic, cultural, and political landscape of Italy was profound, with the Lombard language leaving a lasting imprint on Italian dialects and place names.

The Lombard kings gradually converted from Arianism to Catholic Christianity, facilitating a more integrated relationship with the existing Roman population and the papacy. However, their kingdom was eventually conquered by Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, in 774 CE, marking the end of the Lombard monarchy. Despite their kingdom's fall, Lombard influence persisted in various regions of Italy, and their legacy continued to be felt for centuries. Their history is a testament to the complex interactions and transformations that defined the transition from late antiquity to the Middle Ages in Europe.