List of kings of the Lombards


The kings of the Lombards or reges Langobardorum were the monarchs of the Lombard people from the early 6th century until the Lombardic identity became lost in the 9th and 10th centuries. After 774, the kings were not Lombards, but Franks. From the 12th century, the votive crown and reliquary known as the Iron Crown retrospectively became a symbol of their rule, though it was never used by Lombard kings.
The primary sources for the Lombard kings before the Frankish conquest are the anonymous 7th-century Origo Gentis Langobardorum and the 8th-century Historia Langobardorum of Paul the Deacon. The earliest kings listed in the Origo are almost certainly legendary. They purportedly reigned during the Migration Period. The first ruler attested independently of Lombard tradition is Tato.

Early rulers

Legendary rulers

The Lethings were an early dynasty from the time of Lethuc. The last ruling descendant of Lethuc was Walthari, whose son was in turn displaced by Audoin of the family of the Gausi.
  • Lethuc, ruled for some 40 years.
  • Aldihoc
  • Godehoc, led the Lombards into modern-day Austria
  • Claffo
  • Tato, his son Ildichus died in exile
  • Wacho, son of Unichus
  • Walthari, son of Wacho

    [Gausian dynasty]

  • Audoin, led the Lombards into Pannonia

    Kings in Italy

[Gausian dynasty]

Charlemagne conquered the Lombards in 774 at the invitation of Pope Adrian I.
  • Charlemagne in personal union, passed kingship to his third son, Pepin.
  • Pepin , king under authority of Charlemagne
  • Bernard
  • Lothair I
  • Louis II
The title rex Langobardorum, synonymous with rex Italiae, lasted well into the High Middle Ages, but subsequent holders are found at King of Italy.

Family tree