Italian nobles families in the 6th to 12th centuries are set out in two separate documents, SOUTHERN ITALY and this document NORTHERN ITALY. This geographic split in presenting the research on Italian nobility is justified by the divergent ways in which the noble families evolved in these two areas during the early medieval period, explained in part by the different outside influences to which each area was subject.

In southern Italy, the Lombard duchies, notably Benevento and Naples, had three main adversaries: the Byzantines whose colonies survived in the southern part of the Italian peninsula until well into the 11th century; the north African Muslims who conquered Sicily, Messina and Siracusa in the mid-9th century and raided the western coastal cities throughout the period; and from the 11th century onwards the Normans. Geographical distance from the northern Italian kingdom's administrative centres of Pavia and Ravenna also enabled the southern principalities to evolve on autonomous lines. In addition, the Papal territories represented a buffer between north and south, especially after the 756 Donation of Pepin under which Papal claims to many parts of central Italy were recognised by the Frankish invaders.

In northern Italy, the nobility which is set out in this document lived in the area roughly corresponding to the territory of the early medieval kingdom of Italy. Geographical proximity enabled the central authority of the Lombard kingdom to maintain greater control, although the frequent rebellions by the Lombard nobility against King Agilulf during the last decade of the 6th century demonstrate that this was not straightforward. The only Lombard dukedoms in the north which controlled extensive territory were Spoleto and Friulia, both dating from the period immediately after the Lombard migration. The former lay to the north of the southern duchy of Benevento and also bordered the Papal territories to the west of the Italian peninsula. Friulia provided the first line of defence against frequent Avar invasions from neighbouring Pannonia to the east of northern Italy, and was later extended during the reign of Emperor Heinrich II to form the march of Carniola as protection against incursions into imperial territory from the kingdoms of Croatia and Hungary to the east. Contemporary Lombard sources include isolated references to Lombard dukes in Bergamo, Brescia, Ticino, Trentino, Turin and Verona, but it is probable that they were local city administrators who controlled insufficient land to exercise any notable degree of local autonomy.

The succession of short-lived reigns in the Lombard kingdom after the death of King Liutprand in 744 suggests a weakening of central authority in northern Italy. However, it was the Carolingian Franks not the local Lombard nobility who were able to leverage this to their advantage. The dukes of Friulia appear to have been the only strong regional nobility at the time, as shown by the choice of Duke Ratchis to succeed as Lombard king in 744 after the brief reign of King Hildebrand. However, the main threat to the long-term survival of the Lombard monarchy was the continuing territorial rivalry between the Lombard kings and the papacy. The growing power of the Popes is demonstrated by the papal appointment of Hildebrand as duke of Spoleto in the early 770s, ending a long line of Lombard appointments. The end of Lombard rule in northern Italy was signalled when the Pope invited the Carolingian Franks to intervene in Italian affairs.

When the Frankish kings assumed control over the Italian kingdom, the nobles who accompanied them established themselves as a powerful new element in the Italian aristocracy whose influence was to outlive the rule of their royal masters. The first notable change of administration was in the duchy of Spoleto, where Charles I King of the Franks (later known as Emperor Charlemagne) installed the Frankish duke Winichis to replace the papal appointee. Spoleto was later ruled by a succession of dukes of Frankish descent: the families of Suppo Count of Parma, Lambert who had previously been count in the Breton march in north-western France, and finally by the descendants of the Frankish count Hucbald. Frankish nobles continued to arrive at the Carolingian court in northern Italy during the course of the following hundred years. Notable examples were Bonifaz, a Frank from Bavaria who was installed as Count of Lucca in [812/13], Anschier, a count from Burgundy, who became Marchese of Ivrea in [898/902], and Roger, son of Arduin from Normandy, who was Count of Auriate from 905. It is also possible that Aleram, recorded in northern Italy in the early 10th century and whose descendants later became Marchesi of Monferrato and Saluzzo (see MONFERRATO), was of Frankish origin, several counts with a similar name being recorded in Troyes in the 9th century.

Otto I King of Germany's deposition of Berengario II King of Italy in 963 was followed by a further wave of immigrant nobles, this time from Germany, who were appointed by the Ottonian kings as local administrators in northern Italian cities such as Bergamo, Parma, Pavia, Sabbionetta, Treviso and Verona and also as counts palatine at the imperial court in Pavia. Diplomas issued by the Ottonian and Salian kings of Germany in relation to business in northern Italy mention numerous nobles with Germanic sounding names (for example, Bernard, Maginfred, Otbert and Otto). It has not yet been possible to link many of these individuals to other known noble families. They are shown in the final chapter of this document.

Some Roman aristocrats became involved in affairs in the southern part of the northern Italian kingdom. Spoleto experienced a second interval of papal control in the late 9th and early 10th centuries with the accession of Alberico as Marchese after he murdered the Frank duke Guido IV. The Counts of Tusculum in southern Tuscany from the late 10th century were relatives of the infamous Marozia, the last count transferring his properties to Pope Alexander III in 1170 after which they were incorporated into the papal territories.

There is one notable example of native Italian aristocracy, presumably of Lombard descent, in the early 10th century. Sigefredo, whose name suggests a Germanic connection although he was resident in Italy before the arrival of the Ottonian kings, built the castle of Canossa in the plain of Po in [940]. His descendants amassed numerous properties in Tuscany, including the cities of Ferrara, Mantua and Lucca, and were installed as Marchesi of Tuscany from 1127. The heiress of these vast properties was Countess Matilda, the most powerful Italian noble of her time and the strong supporter of the papacy in the investiture struggle with Heinrich IV King of Germany in the late 11th century. She donated all her properties to the church, which ensured that the conflicts between church and state continued long after her death in 1115.

Imperial authority in northern Italy had weakened by the mid-12th century, enabling the northern Lombard cities to increase their local autonomy, which was formalised in the Treaty of Konstanz agreed in 1183 by Emperor Friedrich "Barbarossa". A single local dynasty was never able to establish control over all of northern Italy, as each city developed its own system of administration under its own separate leadership. However, by the 14th and 15th centuries the leading local families in these cities, such as the Este (Ferrara and Modena), the Farnese (Parma), the Gonzaga (Mantua), the Medici (Florence) and the Visconti (Milan), had in effect created principalities within their own domains. They provided new leadership to the nobility in northern Italy whose influence on European history continued well into the 17th and 18th centuries.

The counties set out in this document are grouped by present-day Italian region. This is not especially satisfactory as it in no way reflects divisions which existed in medieval times. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that it will prove helpful to future research. I am grateful to Paolo Rossi's work in helping to establish the geographical allocation of these counties[1].

Chapter 1. COUNTIES in EMILIA ROMAGNA

The present-day Italian region of Emilia Romagna is located south of Lombardia and Veneto, and north of Toscana and Marche, in the central part of northern Italy. Currently the region is divided administratively into the provinces of Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia and Modena, in the western Emilia half, and Bologna, Ferrara, Ravenna, Forlì and Rimini in Romagna. The medieval counties of Pallavicino, Modena, Parma, Piacenza and Reggio were located in Emilia, and Bologna and Ferrara in Romagna. Other medieval counties identified in the region are Aucia, Cervia (Ficocle), Cesena, Comacchio, Correggio, Forlí, Forlimpopoli, Imola, Modigliana, Rimini, Sarsina and Valle Lamone, but no information has yet been located on their counts.

A. CONTI di BOLOGNA

ADALBERTO, son of BONIFAZIO Duke and Marchese of Spoleto & his wife Waldrada of Upper Burgundy ([945/55]-after [1011]). Conte di Bologna. "Adelbertus Comes et Bertilla…Comitissa" donated property to "monasterio…sancti Bartolomei Apostoli et beati Savini martiris", for the souls of "Domna Gualdrada…Comitissa…et Domno Teobaldo…Dux et Marchio, genitore et genitrice meis…et Bonifacii et Walfredi et Adelberti filiorum nostrorum", by charter dated 981[2].

m BERTILA, daughter of ---. Her marriage is confirmed by the charter dated 981 under which "Adelbertus Comes et Bertilla…Comitissa" donated property to "monasterio…sancti Bartolomei Apostoli et beati Savini martiris"[3].

Adalberto & his wife had four children:

1. BONIFAZIO ([970/75]-before 1012). His parentage is confirmed by the charter dated 981 under which "Adelbertus Comes et Bertilla…Comitissa" donated property to "monasterio…sancti Bartolomei Apostoli et beati Savini martiris", for the souls of "…et Bonifacii et Walfredi et Adelberti filiorum nostrorum"[4]. His birth date range is estimated on the basis of consistency with the birth date ranges estimated for his paternal ancestors. Marchese of Tuscany 1004/1011. He founded the abbey of Fonte Taona before 1007. m ---. The name of Bonifazio's wife is not known. Bonifazio & his wife had [three] children:

a) UGO (-before 14 Jan 1056). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Conte di Bologna. He was installed [Jul/Nov 1037/Feb 1043] as Duke of Spoleto. "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" gave judgment in a dispute between Johannes Abbot of St John Evangelist at Ravenna and the descendants of Rodulphus de Fizicone by charter dated 7 Apr 1047, named as present "Ugone marchione Camariensi, comite de Stazone, comite Ayraldo, comite Sicho filio quondam Guidonis comite"[5]. m WILLA, daughter of --- (-after 1063). "Domne Wille…Cometisse, relecta quondam Domni Hugo…Dux et Marchio et Ugo et Alberto etiam Bonefacio sicque Ubaldo germanis" donated a serf in Bologna by charter dated 14 Jan 1056[6]. Ugo & his wife had five children:

i) UGO (-[10 Dec 1091/1098]). "Domne Wille…Cometisse, relecta quondam Domni Hugo…Dux et Marchio et Ugo et Alberto etiam Bonefacio sicque Ubaldo germanis" donated a serf in Bologna by charter dated 14 Jan 1056[7]. Conte. m MATILDA, daughter of RAMBALDO [II] Conte di Treviso & his wife Matilda ---. "Matilda Comitissa, filia quondam Regibaldi Comitis de Comitatu Tervisi, et conius Uchoni Comitis" confirmed a donation to "monasterio Sancti Prosperi…extra civitate Regi" by charter dated 10 Dec 1091, subscribed by "Ucho Comes"[8]. Boso Archbishop of Parma and "Albertus Comes et Ubertus frater eius, Comes quoque Walfredus et Berta uxor eius et Ermengarda neptis eorum, Matilda…coniux bone memorie Ugonis comitis et filii eorum" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated to [1098], signed by "Berta coniux Gualfredi, Albertus filius eius"[9]. Ugo & his wife had one child:

(a) BEATRICE (-after 1099). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. m ALBERTO d'Orso, son of --- (-after 1099).

ii) ALBERTO (-before 1085). "Domne Wille…Cometisse, relecta quondam Domni Hugo…Dux et Marchio et Ugo et Alberto etiam Bonefacio sicque Ubaldo germanis" donated a serf in Bologna by charter dated 14 Jan 1056[10]. Conte di Bologna. m MATILDA, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. Alberto & his wife had two children:

(a) UBERTO (-after [1139]). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Conte di Bologna 1085/1116. Conte di Casalecchio 1116. m ---. The name of Uberto's wife is not known. Uberto & his wife had one child:

(1) UGO . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Conte 1139.

(b) ENRICO . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. 1085.

iii) BONIFAZIO (-after 14 Jan 1056). "Domne Wille…Cometisse, relecta quondam Domni Hugo…Dux et Marchio et Ugo et Alberto etiam Bonefacio sicque Ubaldo germanis" donated a serf in Bologna by charter dated 14 Jan 1056[11].

iv) UBALDO (-after 1097). "Domne Wille…Cometisse, relecta quondam Domni Hugo…Dux et Marchio et Ugo et Alberto etiam Bonefacio sicque Ubaldo germanis" donated a serf in Bologna by charter dated 14 Jan 1056[12]. Conte. m GIULITTA, daughter of ---. The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified.

v) ADELASIA . The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. [m GUIDO, brother of Archbishop GUIBERTO.]

b) UBALDO (-after 1030). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Conte di Bologna.

c) [WILLA (-after 1061). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. m BONNANO di Caprara, son of --- (-after 1061).]

2. WALFREDO ([972/78]-before [1041/43]). His parentage is confirmed by the charter dated 981 under which "Adelbertus Comes et Bertilla…Comitissa" donated property to "monasterio…sancti Bartolomei Apostoli et beati Savini martiris", for the souls of "…et Bonifacii et Walfredi et Adelberti filiorum nostrorum"[13]. His birth date range is estimated on the basis of consistency with the birth date ranges estimated for his paternal ancestors. Conte di Bologna.

3. ADALBERTO ([975/80]-after [1011]). His parentage is confirmed by the charter dated 981 under which "Adelbertus Comes et Bertilla…Comitissa" donated property to "monasterio…sancti Bartolomei Apostoli et beati Savini martiris", for the souls of "…et Bonifacii et Walfredi et Adelberti filiorum nostrorum"[14]. His birth date range is estimated on the basis of consistency with the birth date ranges estimated for his paternal ancestors. His youth at the time of the 981 charter is suggested by the fact that "Bonifacii et Walfredi germani" (presumably identified with the two older children of the donors) subscribed the document but that Adalberto did not. Conte di Bologna.

4. ERMENGARDA (-after [1021]). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. m (before 1015) ---, from the family of the dukes of Petrone.

1. WALFREDO (-[1098/24 Jan 1111]). Boso Archbishop of Parma and "Albertus Comes et Ubertus frater eius, Comes quoque Walfredus et Berta uxor eius et Ermengarda neptis eorum, Matilda…coniux bone memorie Ugonis comitis et filii eorum" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated to [1098], signed by "Berta coniux Gualfredi, Albertus filius eius"[15]. m BERTA, daughter of GERARDO & his wife --- (-after 24 Jan 1111). Boso Archbishop of Parma and "Albertus Comes et Ubertus frater eius, Comes quoque Walfredus et Berta uxor eius et Ermengarda neptis eorum, Matilda…coniux bone memorie Ugonis comitis et filii eorum" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated to [1098], signed by "Berta coniux Gualfredi, Albertus filius eius"[16]. "Berta filia quondam Gerardi et relicta quondam Walfredi de Comitatu Trivixino" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated 24 Jan 1111, signed by "iam dicte Berte et Alberti, mater et filius"[17]. Walfredo & his wife had one child:

a) ALBERTO (-after 24 Jan 1111). Boso Archbishop of Parma and "Albertus Comes et Ubertus frater eius, Comes quoque Walfredus et Berta uxor eius et Ermengarda neptis eorum, Matilda…coniux bone memorie Ugonis comitis et filii eorum" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated to [1098], signed by "Berta coniux Gualfredi, Albertus filius eius"[18]. "Berta filia quondam Gerardi et relicta quondam Walfredi de Comitatu Trivixino" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated 24 Jan 1111, signed by "iam dicte Berte et Alberti, mater et filius"[19].

B. CONTI di PARMA

Parma passed to Matilda Ctss of Tuscany in 1111.

1. ATTO . m ---. The name of Atto´s wife is not known. Atto & his wife had one child:

a) ATTO (-after 958). Conte di Parma. "Atto filio quondam…Attoni de Comitatu Parmense" received money from "Adalberto qui et Atto, consobrino meo, filio quondam Aigefredi de Comitatu Lucensi" in 958[20]. The exact relationship between Atto and Adalberto Atto Conte di Lucca has not yet been ascertained.

2. ALBERTO (-after 4 Oct 1015). Conte di Parma. "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" donated property confiscated from "Alberti Parmensis filiorumque eius, Uuiberti et Sigefredi" to the convent of St Abundius at Como by charter dated 4 Oct 1015[21]. m ---. The name of Alberto's wife is not known. Alberto & his wife had two children:

a) GUIBERTO (-after 4 Oct 1015). "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" donated property confiscated from "Alberti Parmensis filiorumque eius, Uuiberti et Sigefredi" to the convent of St Abundius at Como by charter dated 4 Oct 1015[22].

b) SIGIFREDO (-after 4 Oct 1015). "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" donated property confiscated from "Alberti Parmensis filiorumque eius, Uuiberti et Sigefredi" to the convent of St Abundius at Como by charter dated 4 Oct 1015[23].

1. GUIDO . m ---. The name of Guido's wife is not known. Guido & his wife had one child:

a) BERNARDO (-1037 or after). Conte di Parma. "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" confirmed the possession of "Neironem" by "Bernardo Parmensi comite" by charter dated 4 Oct 1015[24]. "Chuonradus…Romanorum imperator augustus" granted the county of Parma to the church of Parma "post decessum Bernardi comitis Vuidonis filii, nisi forte de coniuge sua Ita filium habuerit masculinum" by charter dated 31 Dec 1029[25]. Count Bernardo was presumably no longer count, and was without male issue, before end May 1035, the date of the charter under which Emperor Konrad II confirmed the donation of the county of Parma to the same church although neither he nor his widow are named in the document[26]. Bernardo, however, died after 24 May 1037, as shown by the charter of the date of "Chuonradus…Romanorum imperator augustus" confirming rights of the monastery of San Giovanni at Parma "ac petitione Bernardi quondam comitis nostri, nunc vero habitu et opere monachi…in eodem monasterio"[27]. The introduction to the former charter in the same compilation states that he became a monk at this, maybe before Apr 1034[28]. m ITA, daughter of ---. "Chuonradus…Romanorum imperator augustus" granted the county of Parma to the church of Parma "post decessum Bernardi comitis Vuidonis filii, nisi forte de coniuge sua Ita filium habuerit masculinum" by charter dated 31 Dec 1029[29].

2. ATTO (-before 2 Nov 1062). m ---. The name of Atto´s wife is not known. Atto & his wife had one child:

a) ARDUINO (-after 2 Nov 1062). Conte di Parma. "Arduinus Comes de Comitatu Parmense et filius Attoni" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero, for the soul of "quondam Julite que fuit coniux mee", by charter dated 21 Aug 1054[30]. "Ardoinus Comes de Comitatu Parmense et filius quondam Attonis" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated 2 Nov 1062, which names "quondam Julitte…jugale mea, seu filiis meis"[31]. m GIULITA, daughter of --- (-before 21 Aug 1054). "Arduinus Comes de Comitatu Parmense et filius Attoni" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero, for the soul of "quondam Julite que fuit coniux mee", by charter dated 21 Aug 1054[32]. Arduino & his wife had [two or more] children:

i) OBERTO [I] (-1096). "Ubertus Comes filius quondam Arduini…Comitis de Comitatu Parmense" is named in a document dated 1095[33]. Conte di Parma. m ---. The name of Oberto's wife is not known. Oberto & his wife had two children:

(a) OBERTO [II] (-[1096]). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Conte di Parma.

(b) GIUDITTA (-after 1094). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. m ALBERTO detto Rufo, son of ALBERTO [di Luni] & his wife --- (-before 1094).

ii) other children . "Ardoinus Comes de Comitatu Parmense et filius quondam Attonis" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated 2 Nov 1062, which names "quondam Julitte…jugale mea, seu filiis meis"[34].

3. GUIDO (-before 11 Apr 1092). Conte di Parma. m ADELASIA, daughter of UGO & his wife --- (-after 11 Apr 1092). "Adelaxe filia Ugone Comes et relicta quondam Widonis de Comitato Parmensis" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated 11 Apr 1092[35].

4. OBERTO . m ---. The name of Guiberto's wife is not known. Guiberto & his wife had two children:

a) ALBERTO di Parma (-[1101]). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Conte di Parma.

b) OBERTO di Parma (-1111). Boso Archbishop of Parma and "Albertus Comes et Ubertus frater eius, Comes quoque Walfredus et Berta uxor eius et Ermengarda neptis eorum, Matilda…coniux bone memorie Ugonis comitis et filii eorum" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated 1098, signed by "Berta coniux Gualfredi, Albertus filius eius"[36]. Conte di Parma. m BERTA di Luni, daughter of Marchese OBERTO OBIZZO [I] Conte di Luni & his wife ---.

C. CONTI di PIACENZA

1. RIPRANDO (-after 22 May 996). Conte di Piacenza. "Ardoinus Comes Palacii" passed judgment on "Walpertus Judex" in a dispute relating to the church of Cremona, in the presence of "Riprandus Comes…", by charter dated 22 May 996[37]. m ---. The name of Riprando's wife is not known. Riprando & his wife had one child:

a) --- di Piacenza . The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. m ODDONE [di Monferrato], son of ALERAMO Lord of the March of Monferrato & his first wife --- (-before 991).

D. DUKES of RAVENNA

1. MARTIN, son of --- (-before Sep 896). Duke of Ravenna. m INGELRADA, daughter of HUCBALD & his wife Andaberta --- (-[8 Sep 896/27 Sep 899]). "Ingelarda filia Apaldi Comitis Palatii" donated property to "Petro…Diacono…Ravennasis Ecclesiæ" by charter dated Sep 896 which names "quondam Martini…Duci…viri mei…ceteris filiis et filiabus meis"[38]. Martin & his wife had [five or more] children:

a) PIETRO (-after Sep 896). "Ingelarda filia Apaldi Comitis Palatii" donated property to "Petro…Diacono…Ravennasis Ecclesiæ" by charter dated Sep 896 which names "quondam Martini…Duci…viri mei…ceteris filiis et filiabus meis"[39]. Deacon of Ravenna.

b) sons . "Ingelarda filia Apaldi Comitis Palatii" donated property to "Petro…Diacono…Ravennasis Ecclesiæ" by charter dated Sep 896 which names "quondam Martini…Duci…viri mei…ceteris filiis et filiabus meis"[40].

c) daughters . "Ingelarda filia Apaldi Comitis Palatii" donated property to "Petro…Diacono…Ravennasis Ecclesiæ" by charter dated Sep 896 which names "quondam Martini…Duci…viri mei…ceteris filiis et filiabus meis"[41].

E. CONTI di SABBIONETTA

1. BOSO (-[14 Dec 1081/10 Dec 1091]). "Heinricus…rex" confirmed the rights of Parma cathedral by charter dated 3 Dec 1081, among those listed as present being "Albertus marchio filius quondam Auberti marchionis, Boso comes, Gerardo filio quondam Ugonis comitis, Uberto comes de Suspiro"[42]. Conte di Sabbionetta. "Albertus marchio filiuo quondam Auberto marchionis" renounced his rights in Pizzo which was granted to Parma cathedral by charter dated 14 Dec 1081, among those listed as present being "domni Bosonis comitis de Sabloneta vassus et signifier episcopi Parmensis, et Anselmi comiti de Suspiro, et Vuidonis Gislardi et item Vuidonis Teudaldi et Gandulfi et Anselmi germanis"[43]. m ---. The name of Boso´s wife is not known. Boso & his wife had one child:

a) UGO . "Ucho Comes filius quondam Bosoni…Comitis de…Sabloneda" donated property to the monastery of San Prospero by charter dated 10 Dec 1091[44].

E. CONTI di SUSPIRO

1. UBERTO (-after 3 Dec 1081). Conte di Suspiro. "Heinricus…rex" confirmed the rights of Parma cathedral by charter dated 3 Dec 1081, among those listed as present being "Albertus marchio filius quondam Auberti marchionis, Boso comes, Gerardo filio quondam Ugonis comitis, Uberto comes de Suspiro"[45].

2. ANSELMO (-after 3 Dec 1081). Conte di Suspiro. "Albertus marchio filiuo quondam Auberto marchionis" renounced his rights in Pizzo which was granted to Parma cathedral by charter dated 14 Dec 1081, among those listed as present being "domni Bosonis comitis de Sabloneta vassus et signifier episcopi Parmensis, et Anselmi comiti de Suspiro, et Vuidonis Gislardi et item Vuidonis Teudaldi et Gandulfi et Anselmi germanis"[46].

Chapter 2. FRIULIA, ISTRIA, CARNIOLA and MERANO

The present-day Italian regions of Friuli lies in north-east Italy, to the east of Veneto. The peninsula of Istria, now split between the modern republics of Slovenia and Croatia, was previously part of Italian territory.

The Lombard dukedom of Friulia was established at the time of the Lombard migration into Italy in [569]. Pressure from other so-called barbarian peoples to the east had provided an additional incentive for the Lombard departure from Pannonia. The area of Friulia represented the first line of defence for the new Lombard homeland against such attacks and required strong local administration. This requirement proved justified as early as the late 6th century, when the first of numerous successive Avar invasions is recorded in Lombard primary sources. After the death in [641] of Grasulf, last duke of the line of Gisulf first duke of Friulia, twelve dukes are recorded in Friulia until the mid-8th century. Among these, only three documented cases have been identified in which a duke was succeeded by a relative: Ado succeeded his brother Rodoald some time towards the end of the 8th century, and Ratchis and his brother Aistulf (who both later succeeded as kings of the Lombards) succeeded their father Pemmo in the mid-8th century. While it is possible that some of these later dukes were related to each other, the relationships are not being mentioned in the sources. It is more probable that the appointment of unrelated dukes was a conscious policy of the Lombard kings to prevent the emergence of a competing dynastic force.

The march of Friulia was reorganised in 828 into four counties, Carantania and Lower Pannonia in the north, and two others in the south whose names have not yet been identified. All four counties were transferred from the Italian kingdom to the jurisdiction of the kingdom of the East Franks under the rule of King Ludwig II "der Deutsche"[47]. The march of Friulia ceased to exist during the reign of Berengario I King of Italy[48].

No record has been found of any rulers of Friulia between "Baldrico comite Foroiuliense" in 826 (see below) and the appointment of Eberhard, son of Unruoch, as duke of the march of Friulia, probably dated to the 840s. There is a similar absence of information relating to any Friulian rulers after the death of Waltfred in 896 and the mention of Weriand count in Istria and Friulia in the first half of the 11th century.

The march of Carniola was established to the east of the Istrian peninsula, south of the duchy of Carinthia, as imperial protection against incursions from the kingdoms of Croatia and Hungary to the east. "Heinricus…rex" granted "comitatum Histrie" and "marchiam Carniole" to the church of Aquileia at the request of "ducibus autem Writizlao Boemie ac Liudolfo Carintie, Cuonone quoque palatino comite et Tieboldo marchione" by two charters dated 11 Jun 1077[49].

The dukedom of Merano was created in 1153 along the Croatian litoral, to the east of Istria, the name simply being a derivation of "mare" indicating its proximity to the sea. After the death in 1180 of the initial titleholder, Konrad Duke of Dachau of the Wittelsbach family, it passed to the family of the Grafen von Andechs who were already Marchesi of Istria and Carniola.

Other medieval counties identified in Friuli are Gorizia, Pisino, Porcia and Trieste but no information has yet been found on their counts.

A. DUKES of FRIULIA [569]-625

GISULF, son of --- . Shield-bearer of Alboin King of the Lombards, who installed him as duke in the region of Friuli after the Longobard migration into Italy in [569][50], in effect succeeding as GISULF I Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that King Alboin installed "Gisulfum…suum nepotem" as "ducem…[in] Foroiulanæ civitati"[51]. The Chronicle of Andreas Bergomatis records that Alboin conceded Friuli to "nepoti sui Gisolfi"[52]. The precise relationship between Gisulf and King Alboin is unknown and may have been more remote than implied by "nephew" if the word nepos if translated strictly in these passages.

m ---. The name of the wife of Duke Gisulf has not yet been identified.

Duke Gisulf & his wife had two children:

1. GISULF (-killed in battle Friulia 610). The primary source which confirms that Gisulf was the son of Duke Gisulf I has not yet been identified. He succeeded his father as GISULF II Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Gaidoaldus dux de Tridento et Gisulfus de Foroiuli" rebelled against Agilolf King of the Lombards but were pardoned[53]. His importance as ruler in Friulia is shown by Paulus Diaconus specifying that the installation of "Iohannes" as Patriarch of Aquileja was "cum consensu regis et Gisulfi ducis"[54]. Paulus Diaconus records that "rex Avarum" launched another invasion during which "Gisulfus Foroiulianis dux" was killed[55]. m ROMILDA, daughter of ---. Paulus Diaconus names "Romilda" as wife of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", when he records her escape with her children after her husband was killed[56]. Duke Gisulf & his wife had eight children:

a) TASO (-executed Opitergium 625). Paulus Diaconus names "Taso et Cacco iam adulescentes, Raduald…et Grimuald adhuc in puerili ætate" as the sons of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", when recording their escape after their father was killed[57]. He succeeded his father in 610 as TASO Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Taso et Cacco filii eius" succeeded as dukes of Friulia after the death of their father[58].

b) CACCO (-executed Opitergium 625). Paulus Diaconus names "Taso et Cacco iam adulescentes, Raduald…et Grimuald adhuc in puerili ætate" as the sons of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", when recording their escape after their father was killed[59]. He succeeded his father in 610 as CACCO Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Taso et Cacco filii eius" succeeded as dukes of Friulia after the death of their father[60].

c) RADOALD (-[647/48]). Paulus Diaconus names "Taso et Cacco iam adulescentes, Raduald…et Grimuald adhuc in puerili ætate" as the sons of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", when recording their escape after their father was killed[61]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Radoald…et Grimoald" went to Benevento to join "Arichis Beneventanorum ducem"[62]. He fled to Benevento with his brother Romuald after the execution of their two older brothers. He succeeded his relative Aion I in [641/42] as RADOALD Duke of Benevento.

d) GRIMOALD (-671, bur Ticinum, Basilica of St Ambrosius). Paulus Diaconus names "Taso et Cacco iam adulescentes, Raduald…et Grimuald adhuc in puerili ætate" as the sons of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", when recording Grimoald's difficulty in escaping after the death of their father[63]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Radoald…et Grimoald" went to Benevento to join "Arichis Beneventanorum ducem"[64]. He fled to Benevento with his brother Radoald after the execution of their two older brothers. He succeeded his brother in [647/48] as GRIMOALD I Duke of Benevento.

- DUKES of BENEVENTO.

e) APPA . Paulus Diaconus names "una Appa alia Gaila…duarum vero nomina non retinemus" as the daughters of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", recording that one later married "Alamannorum regi, alia…Baioariorum principi", without specifying which[65]. [m --- [Duke of Alamannia] ---. The identity of this Alamannian duke is not known, assuming that the report of Paulus Diaconus is accurate.]

f) GAILA . Paulus Diaconus names "una Appa alia Gaila…duarum vero nomina non retinemus" as the daughters of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", recording that one later married "Alamannorum regi, alia…Baioariorum principi", without specifying which[66]. [m --- [Duke of Bavaria] ---. The identity of this Bavarian duke has not yet been identified, assuming that the report of Paulus Diaconus is accurate.]

g) daughter . Paulus Diaconus names "una Appa alia Gaila…duarum vero nomina non retinemus" as the daughters of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux"[67].

h) daughter . Paulus Diaconus names "una Appa alia Gaila…duarum vero nomina non retinemus" as the daughters of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux"[68].

2. GRASULF (-[641]). Paulus Diaconus names "Grasulfus, Gisulfi germanus" when recording that he was installed as "dux Foroiulanis"[69]. Paulus Diaconus records the death of "aput Foroiuli Grasulfo duce" and the accession of Ago, the passage being undated but immediately following the report of the death of Emperor Heraclius which is dated to 641[70]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Ago" succeeded on the death of "Grasulfo Foroiulanorum duce", and after the death of Ago, "Lupus"[71].

…

The precise relationship between Arichis and Duke Gisulf II has not yet been identified:

3. ARICHIS, son of --- . Paulus Diaconus records the death of "Zottone Beneventanorum duce", specifying that "Arigis" was appointed to succeed as missus by King Agilulf, specifying that he was "consanguineus" of "Gisulfi Foroiulani ducis" (presumably referring to Duke Gisulf II) whose sons he had educated[72]. The precise relationship between Duke Gisulf and Arichis has not yet been identified. According to the Chronicon Ducum Beneventi, Salerni, Capuæ et Neapolis, "Archis" was installed as ARICHIS I Duke of Benevento in [604/05] and ruled 50 years[73] but the period is exaggerated.

- DUKES of BENEVENTO.

1. AGO . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Ago" succeeded on the death of "Grasulfo Foroiulanorum duce"[74].

1. LUPUS (-killed in battle ----). Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Lupus" succeeded as Duke of Friulia on the death of Ago, and was attacked by the khagan of the Avars and killed[75], but neither event can be dated from the primary sources so far consulted. m ---. The name and origin of Duke Lupus's wife are not known. Duke Lupus & his wife had two children:

a) AMEFRIT (-Nemas ----). Paulus Diaconus names "Amefrit, eius filius [Lupo]" when recording that he claimed the succession after his father was killed but was expelled by the army of King Grimoald, fled to the Slavs and died "aput Nemas castrum"[76].

b) THEUDERADA (-after 690). Paulus Diaconus records that "Grimualdus rex…suo filio Romualdo" married "Lupo duce…filiam eius Theuderadam" after her father's death[77]. "Theuderada" is named wife of Duke Romuald in the Benedicti Chronicon, but her origin is not given[78]. Romuald married her after her father, who had rebelled against King Grimoald, was killed. She was regent in 690 during the minority of her son Duke Gisulf[79]. m ([664]) ROMUALD, son of GRIMOALD I Duke of Benevento, King of the Lombards & his first wife --- (-687). He succeeded his father in 671 as ROMUALD I Duke of Benevento.

1. WECHTARI . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Wechtari, qui fuit oriundus de Vincentina civitate" succeeded Amefrit in Friulia, and also suffered attacks by the Slavs[80], but neither event can be dated from the primary sources so far consulted.

1. LAUDARI . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Laudari" succeeded Wechtari as Duke of Friulia[81], but this event cannot be dated from the primary sources so far consulted.

Two brothers, parents not known:

1. RODOALD . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Rodoald" succeeded Laudari as Duke of Friulia[82], but this event cannot be dated from the primary sources so far consulted. Paulus Diaconus records that "Ansfrit de castro Reunia" invaded Friulia and expelled Rodoald who fled to Ticino taking refuge with "Cunincpertum regem"[83].

2. ADO . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus names "Ado frater Rodoaldi" when recording that he succeeded in Friulia after Ansfrid's rebellion was crushed and ruled for one year and seven months[84], but this event can not be dated from the primary sources so far consulted. Paulus Diaconus names "[Raginpertus] filius eius Aripert" when recording that, after his father died, he fought King Liutpert "cumque Ansprando et Atone et Tatzone necnon at Rotharit ac Faraone" at Ticino[85], although it is not known with certainty that "Ato" was the Duke of Friulia.

1. ANSFRID . Paulus Diaconus records that "Ansfrit de castro Reunia" invaded Friulia, putting Rodoald to flight, rebelled against King Cunincpert but was captured in Verona, blinded and sent into exile[86]. These events cannot be dated from the primary sources so far consulted.

1. FERDULF . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Ferdulfus…qui de partibus Liguriæ extitit" succeeded Ado in Friulia, but was killed in battle fighting the Slavs[87]. These events cannot be dated from the primary sources so far consulted.

1. CORVOLUS . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Corvolus" succeeded Ferdulf in Friulia, but within a short time was expelled and blinded[88]. These events cannot be dated from the primary sources so far consulted.

1. BILLO . Paulus Diaconus names "patre genitus [Pemmonis] Billone", stating that he had revolted at Bellunum, but thereafter went to Friulia where he lived peacefully[89]. m ---. The name of Billo's wife is not known. Billo & his wife had one child:

a) PEMMO . Duke of Friulia. Paulus Diaconus records that "Pemmo" succeeded Corvolus in Friulia, specifying that "hic patre genitus Billone, qui de Belluno fuerat"[90]. He quarrelled with the patriarch Callistus, took him to the fort of Potium and threatened to throw him from a cliff into the sea, after which he was dismissed by King Liutprand[91]. These events cannot be dated from the primary sources so far consulted. m RATPERGA, daughter of --- . Supposedly plain-looking ["facie rusticana"], she is said to have urged her husband to take a prettier and more suitable wife when he became dux but he preferred a woman with his wife's character and virtues to physical beauty[92]. Duke Pemmo & his wife had three children:

i) RATCHIS (-after 757). Paulus Diaconus names (in order) "Ratchis et Ratchait et Ahistulfum" as the three sons of Pemmo & his wife[93]. A later manuscript of the Origo Gentis Langobardorum names "Achis filius Pimon" when recording that he succeeded "Utprand" and ruled for five years[94]. King Liutprand appointed him Duke of Friulia, after the dismissal of his father, although Ratchis persuaded the king to accept his father back into favour[95]. He attacked the Slavs living in Carniola and also accompanied the king on his expedition against Spoleto and Benevento[96]. He was chosen as RATCHIS King of the Lombards when King Hildeprand was deposed in 744.

- KINGS of the LOMBARDS.

ii) RATCHAIT . Paulus Diaconus names (in order) "Ratchis et Ratchait et Ahistulfum" as the three sons of Pemmo & his wife[97]. He was present when his brother Aistulf was narrowly prevented from killing King Liutprand[98].

iii) AISTULF [Aistulfus] (-756). Paulus Diaconus names (in order) "Ratchis et Ratchait et Ahistulfum" as the three sons of Pemmo & his wife[99]. A later manuscript of the Origo Gentis Langobardorum names "Aistulfus frater eius" when recording that he succeeded his brother "Achis" and ruled for eight years[100]. "Astulphus" is named brother of Ratchis in the Benedicti Chronicon, although their father is named as King Liutprand[101]. He tried to attack King Liutprand after the latter t