HISTORIA LANGOBARDORUM

The Codice Cividalese XXVIII (dated to the second quarter of the 9th century), stored at the National Archaeological Museum of Cividale del Friuli (UD) in Italy, is one of the oldest and most complete testimonies of the fundamental Historia Langobardorum (History of the Lombards) written by the monk and poet Paolus Diaconus (Cividale 720 circa Montecassino 799).

ALTAR of RATCHIS

The Altar of Ratchis, stored at the Cristiano Museum of Cividale del Friuli (UD) in Italy, adjacent to the Cathedral, is one of the most famous artistic masterpieces of the so-called “Liutprand renaissance”. Completed between 737 and 744 upon commission from the Duke Ratchis (future Lombard king) to honour his father Pemmone, who succeeded the throne.

CODEX LEGUM LANGOBARDORUM

The Codex Legum Langobardorum (also called the Codice Cavense 4), stored at the State Library of the Badia National Monument in Cava dei Tirreni (SA), in Italy, dates back to the early 11th century and contains the largest collection of Lombard laws, including the famous Edictum Rothari from 643, a glossary of legal terms, and the Origo Gentis Langobardorum, the Genesis of the Lombard population.

SAN CUMIANO TOMBSTONE

The San Cumiano Tombstone, kept at the Museum of the Abbey of San Colombano in Bobbio (PC), Italy, contains the epitaph of Cumianus, who died in 661, the Scottish bishop and fifth abbot of the monastery founded by the great Irish saint and co-patron of Europe. The tomb, an absolute sculptural masterpiece from the Lombard era for the front and the Carolingian era for the rear, was built by order of King Liutprand.