The Lombards
Taylor Huffman
Who were the Lombards?
The Lombards were also known as the Longobards. They were a Germanic tribe found in the lower Elbe region of Northwestern Germany and led by Audoin. Some of the first Lombard accounts are from 9 AD. Most Lombard information is found in two places: " The Historia Longbardorum " (History of the Lombards) or " Origo Gentis Longoburdorum " (Origin of the Lombard People) . "History of the Lombards" was written by Paul the Deacon in the 8th century. You can learn more about the Winnili, which is the tribe the Lombards originated from by reading the "Origin of the Lombard People." Some information found in these sources is: Lombards focused on agriculture, worshipped mother earth, and believed in cremation rather than burial.
4th Century Migration.
At the end of the 4th century around 484 the Lombards left Italy for migration. On their journey they traveled through several places; Scoringa, Mauringa, Golanda, Anthaib, Banthaib, and Vurgundaib. Crossing through Mauringa was said to be most difficult.
The Lombard Kingdom.
The Lombards ruled a kingdom in Italy from 568-774. In the 1st century they formed the Suebi tribe. During the 5th century the Lombards moved down through out modern day Austria near the Danube River and settled. There they fought frequent wars against the Gepids. Finally the Gepids were defeated around 551. The Lombards teamed with the Saxons, Heruls, Gepids, Bulgars, Thuringians, and Osthrogoths and ruled most of Northern Italy by 569. Their reign lasted through the 11th century.
Paul the Deacon
Paul the Deacon was a Lombard historian.
Lombard Migration
The Lombards left their home and started on a new journey in the 4th century.
Elbe Region
The Lombards lived in the lower Elbe region of North Western Germany.
Northwestern Germany
The Lombards were a Germanic tribe.
The Historia Longburdorum
This is the book that Paul the Deacon wrote during the 8th century where most information about the Lombards can be found.
Orgio Gentis Longobardorum
This book tells the story about the Winnili tribe, which is the tribe the Lombards originated from.