Arioald

Arioald, born in the year five hundred fifty, rose to prominence as the Lombard king of Italy, reigning from six hundred twenty-six to six hundred thirty-six. His ascent to the throne was marked by political maneuvering, as he deposed Adaloald, the heir of King Agilulf, with the backing of the nobility. Adaloald's mental instability provided Arioald with the opportunity to claim the crown.

As a duke of Turin, Arioald's marriage to Gundeberga, the daughter of King Agilulf and Queen Theodelinda, initially positioned him favorably within the royal lineage. However, his reign was characterized by suspicion and betrayal; he accused his wife of conspiring against him with Tasson, the duke of Friuli, leading to her confinement in a monastery.

Unlike his father-in-law, Arioald was an Arian and staunchly opposed to Catholicism, which he sought to reestablish within the Lombard kingdom. His reign was not without conflict, as he faced military challenges from the Avars, successfully repelling their invasion attempts in northeast Italy. This military success solidified his position, but his legacy remains intertwined with the controversies of his rule.