Lesson plan
Harodingians
The Harodingian dynasty ( or ) was a prominent Lombard noble family which provided Italy with two kings in the middle of the seventh century (636–653). The Harodingians started out owning one small fara near Brescia. Then Rothari, son of Nanding, became Duke of Brescia and raised the fortunes of his family to great heights. In 636, he was elected to the Lombard throne. Through his marriage to Gundiperga, widow of Arioald and daughter of Authari and Theodelinda, he attained legitimacy and a connection to the ancient and illustrious Lething and Agilolfing families. Indeed, Gundiperga had been given the opportunity upon her husband's death to choose a new husband to reign over the Lombards. A Catholic herself, she chose the Arian but tolerant Rothari and thus changed the course of Lombard Italy and its Papal relations. Rothari's young son and successor, Rodoald, was the last Harodingian and last Arian to wear the Iron Crown. The Bavarian dynasty replaced them and another attempt to establish a long-lasting dynasty failed.
Article summary
The Harodingian dynasty ( or ) was a prominent Lombard noble family which provided Italy with two kings in the middle of the seventh century (636–653). The Harodingians started out owning one small fara near Brescia. Then Rothari, son of Nanding, became Duke of Brescia and raised the fortunes of his family to great heights. In 636, he was elected to the Lombard throne. Through his marriage to Gundiperga, widow of Arioald and daughter of Authari and Theodelinda, he attained legitimacy and a connection to the ancient and illustrious Lething and Agilolfing families. Indeed, Gundiperga had been given the opportunity upon her husband's death to choose a new husband to reign over the Lombards. A Catholic herself, she chose the Arian but tolerant Rothari and thus changed the course of Lombard Italy and its Papal relations. Rothari's young son and successor, Rodoald, was the last Harodingian and last Arian to wear the Iron Crown. The Bavarian dynasty replaced them and another attempt to establish a long-lasting dynasty failed.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.