- Harodingians
The Harodingian dynasty (Italian: "Arodingi" or "Arodi") was a prominent Lombard noble family which provided Italy with two kings in the middle of the seventh century (636–653).
The Harodingians started out owning one small "fara" near
Brescia . ThenRothari , son of Nanding, became Duke of Brescia and raised the fortunes of his family to great heights. In 636, he was elected to the Lombard throne. Through his marriage toGundiperga , widow ofArioald and daughter ofAuthari andTheodelinda , he attained legitimacy and a connection to the ancient and illustriousLething andAgilolfing families. Indeed, Gundiperga had been given the opportunity upon her husband's death to choose a new husband to reign over the Lombards. A Catholic herself, she chose the Arian but tolerant Rothari and thus changed the course of Lombard Italy and itsPapal relations. Rothari's young son and successor,Rodoald , was the last Harodingian and last Arian to wear the Iron Crown. TheBavarian dynasty replaced them and another attempt to establish a long-lasting dynasty failed.ources
*Jarnut, Jörg. "Storia dei Longobardi". Turin: Einaudi, 2002.
*Rovagnati, Sergio. "I Longobardi". Milan: Xenia, 2003.
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