21 Facts About Perctarit

Perctarit was the first Catholic king of the Lombards who lead a religiously divided kingdom during the 7th Century.

Perctarit ruled from 661 to 662 the first time and later from 671 to 688.

Perctarit is significant for making Catholicism the official religion, sparing the life of an invading leader, and building projects around the capital.

Perctarit was one of two sons and successors of Aripert I who took power after the assassination of Rodoald.

Perctarit first arrived at the court of the Avar khagan Kakar.

Perctarit returned soon thereafter to conspire against Grimoald, but fled again to Francia.

When Grimoald concluded a treaty with the Franks, Perctarit prepared to flee to Britain, but news of Grimoald's death reached him first.

Perctarit marries a daughter of Aripert I, a sister of Godepert, to claim his spot as King of the Lombards.

Perctarit prepared to sail to Britain, but news of Grimoald's death reached him first and he returned to Italy.

In 671, Perctarit returned from exile and reclaimed his realm, which was being ruled on behalf of Grimoald's son Garibald.

Perctarit reigned for seventeen years as a man of religion making Catholicism the official religion after Godepert co-ruling previously split branches of faith.

The switch to Catholicism was significant as Perctarit would try to maintain peace in the kingdom where many of Perctarit's predecessors' reigns had only lasted around fifteen years.

The danger associated with being King of the Lombards showed the instability of the kingdom, yet Perctarit made strives for peace even with other kingdoms.

Perctarit was not interested in conquering lands but instead making peace with the Byzantines.

Perctarit sought to put down the rebellion of Alagis, duke of Trent.

Perctarit chose to spare the duke as he was more focused on Catholic faith.

Perctarit is responsible for the building of the famous nunnery of Saint Agatha and Church of the Virgin outside of Pavia the capital city.

Perctarit is significant to the cultural context of the Lombards as he introduced Catholicism to the empire but does not validate papal authority which is a trend that will continue within the Lombards.

Cunipert, son of Perctarit, provided aid and guidance during the reign of his father starting in Perctarit's eighth year.

Perctarit was succeeded by his more combative son, who would battle against the man his father had captured and released.

Perctarit was buried in the Basilica of Santissimo Salvatore in Pavia.