Rodoald | |
---|---|
King of the Lombards | |
Reign | 652 - 653 |
Predecessor | Rothari |
Successor | Aripert I |
Born | c. 630 |
Died | 653 |
Dynasty | Harodingian |
Father | Rothari |
Religion | Arian |
Rodoald (or Rodwald), (c. 630 – 653) was a Lombard king of Italy, who succeeded his father Rothari on the throne in 652. He was said to be lecherous and he was assassinated after a reign of just six months in 653 by the husband of one of his lovers. Paul the Deacon writes that Rodoald "had reigned five years and seven days, " (more probably five months and seven days), although historians note that this length of reign is suspect. Aripert, a rival claimant, was elected with the support of the Catholic Church, which opposed the Arian monarchy.[1]