Ratchis

Ratchis, born into the noble lineage of the Lombards, was the son of Duke Pemmo of Friuli and the nephew of King Liutprand. His ascent to power began in seven hundred thirty-seven when he succeeded his father as Duke of Friuli, a position appointed by his uncle despite their tumultuous history. Ratchis was married to Tassia, a Roman woman, and during his tenure, he led a significant military expedition against the Slavs in Carniola, demonstrating his prowess as a warrior.

In seven hundred forty-four, Ratchis became the King of the Lombards following the deposition of Hildeprand. His reign initially brought peace, particularly with the Byzantine exarchate of Ravenna. However, the tides turned in seven hundred forty-nine when he invaded the Duchy of the Pentapolis and besieged Perugia. The intervention of Pope Zachary, who persuaded him to lift the siege, diminished his standing among the Lombard dukes, leading to his deposition later that year during an assembly in Milan.

After his removal from the throne, Ratchis sought refuge in Rome and later entered the abbey of Montecassino with his family. Following the death of his brother Aistulf in seven hundred fifty-six, Ratchis attempted to reclaim his throne. He briefly regained control of the royal palace in Pavia with the support of several Lombard nobles but was ultimately defeated by Desiderius, the duke of Tuscany, who had the backing of Pope Stephen II and the Frankish king Pepin the Short. In seven hundred fifty-seven, Ratchis retired once more to a monastery, either Montecassino or Cervaro, marking the end of his tumultuous political journey.