Aripert II

Aripert II, born in the year six hundred eighty, was a notable king of the Lombards, reigning from seven hundred one until his death in seven hundred twelve. As the son of King Raginpert and a member of the Bavarian Dynasty, he was associated with the throne as early as seven hundred. His early reign was marked by political turmoil, as he was initially removed from power by Liutpert, who ruled from seven hundred to seven hundred two, with Aripert briefly seizing the throne in seven hundred one.

After the death of his father, Aripert sought to reclaim the throne. He successfully defeated Liutpert and the regent Ansprand's forces at Pavia, capturing Liutpert and ultimately having him strangled in his bath. By seven hundred three, Aripert had firmly established his rule, seizing the capital and forcing Ansprand to flee over the Alps.

Despite his initial successes, Aripert's reign was fraught with challenges. In seven hundred three, he faced an attack from Faroald, the duke of Spoleto, but chose not to assist him, aiming to maintain good relations with the papacy and the empire. He attempted to assert his authority over Spoleto and Benevento while fostering a friendship with Pope John VI through generous land donations in the Cottian Alps. However, his reign was plagued by rebellions and Slovene raids into Venetia.

The year seven hundred eleven brought further strife as Ansprand returned with a large army from Bavaria, rallying many Austrians to his cause. A battle ensued at Pavia, where Aripert, facing overwhelming odds, fled to his capital. In a desperate attempt to escape, he hoarded treasures and tried to cross into Gaul by night but tragically drowned in the River Ticino. His death marked the end of the Bavarian line's rule, as he was the last to wear the Iron Crown.

Aripert II was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santissimo Salvatore in Pavia, leaving behind a legacy of both ambition and turmoil.