Cunipert

A Lombard shield boss from northern Italy, 7th century

Cunipert (also Cunibert or Cunincpert) was king of the Lombards from 688 to 700. He succeeded his father Perctarit, though he was associated with the throne from 678.

He warred with the Arian rebel Alagis, duke of Trent and Brescia, who had fought his father and rebelled again in 688 after Perctarit died. He forced Cunipert to a castle on an island in the middle of Lake Como, but his rule was burdensome and tyrannical, and so he lost the support of the people. Finally, in 689, Cunipter issued forth with the men of Piedmont and defeated Alahis and the men of Venetia at Coronate, on the Horn of the Adda, near Lodi. Alahis was vanquished and slain in battle.

Cunipert fought many more insurrections during his reign, including that of Ausfrid, usurper duke of Friuli, whom he successfully subjected to his authority.

He also successfully fixed the schism in the Italian church between Aquileia and Grado.

He died in 700 and was succeeded by his young son Liutpert, the regent Ansprand, and many rebels. Many wars took place during his reign. He is notably the first Lombard monarch to strike coins in his image.