Lombards facts for kids

Lombard lands in Italy: The Lombard Kingdom and its duchies

The Lombards were a group of people from Germanic tribes. They ruled most of Italy from 568 to 774 AD. They believed they originally came from southern Scandinavia. Long ago, they worshipped nature. Later, they worshipped a god named Odin. They grew long beards to honor Odin. This is why they were called "Longobards," which means "long beards."

In about 560 AD, their leader Audoin was followed by his son, Alboin. Alboin was a strong and active leader. He defeated some nearby tribes. Then, in the spring of 568, Alboin led the Lombards into Italy. They brought their families and all their belongings. They wanted to make Italy their new home.

When they arrived in Italy, most Lombards still followed their old religion. However, some were Arian Christians. Later, most of them became Christians who followed the Orthodox Church. Over time, they fought with the Franks. They also fought with the Muslims. The Normans fought them too, between 1017 and 1078 AD. Because of these many conflicts, Italy remained divided into many small states for a long time.

The Lombard Kingdom in Italy

The Lombards set up their own kingdom in Italy. This kingdom lasted for over 200 years. They created laws and built important buildings. Their rule shaped the history of Italy for centuries.

Lombard Culture and Art

The Lombards developed a unique culture. They were skilled craftspeople. They made beautiful jewelry and metalwork. Many of their artworks show a mix of Germanic and Roman styles. They also built churches and other structures. These buildings often had special Lombard designs.

Important Lombard Leaders

King Alboin and the Migration

Alboin was the first Lombard king in Italy. He led his people on their great journey. This journey changed where the Lombards lived forever. He was a brave warrior.

King Liutprand's Rule

King Liutprand ruled from 712 to 744 AD. He was a very religious Catholic. He gave a lot of money to churches. He also helped build many monasteries. He was known for being a fair and strong ruler.

The End of Lombard Rule

The Lombard kingdom eventually faced powerful enemies. The Franks, led by Charlemagne, became very strong. In 774 AD, Charlemagne defeated the Lombards. This ended their rule in Italy. However, their influence remained. Their laws and culture continued to affect the region.

Images for kids

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  Distribution of Langobardic burial fields at the Lower Elbe Lands

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  Lombard migration from Scandinavia

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  Lombard grave goods (6th–7th century), Milan, Lombardy

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  Plutei of Theodota, mid 8th century, Civic Museums of Pavia.

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  The Frankish Merovingian King Chlothar II fighting the Lombards

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  King Liutprand (712–744)

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  The West-Germanic languages around the sixth century CE

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  The runic inscription from the Pforzen buckle

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  Lombard warrior, bronze statue, 8th century, Pavia Civic Museums.

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  The Rule of Saint Benedict in Beneventan (Lombard) script

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  Church of Santa Sofia, Benevento

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  Lombard shield boss from northern Italy, 7th century

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  Lombard S-shaped fibula

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  A glass drinking horn from Castel Trosino

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  Lombard Goldblattkreuz

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  Lombard fibulae

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  Altar of Ratchis

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  8th-century Lombard sculpture of female martyrs, Tempietto Longobardo, Cividale del Friuli

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  Crypt of Sant'Eusebio, Pavia.

See also

In Spanish: Lombardos para niños