PERCTARIT

'Perctarit' (also 'Berthari'; died 688) was king of the Lombards from 661 to 662 the first time and later from 671 to 688. He was the son and successor of Aripert I. He shared power with his brother Godepert. He was a Catholic, Godepert an Arian. He ruled from Milan, Godepert from Pavia. Godepert called up the aid of Duke Grimoald I of Benevento in a war with Perctarit, but the Beneventan had him assassinated and took over the kingdom forcing Perctarit to flee. He first arrived at the court of the Avar khagan Kakar. However, his wife, Rodelinde and their son Cunincpert were captured by Grimoald and sent to Benevento. He returned soon after to conspire against Grimoald, but fled again to France. When Grimoald confirmed a treaty with the Franks, Perctarit prepared to flee to England, but news of Grimoald's death reached him first.
In 671, he returned from exile and retook his realm, which was being ruled on behalf of Grimoald's son Garibald. He made Catholicism the official religion, but did not recognise papal authority. He made peace with the Byzantines and associated Cunincpert with the throne in 678. He fought against the rebellion of Alagis, duke of Trent, and was assassinated in 688 by a conspiracy. It was to be his only campaign, though he captured the duke, he pardoned and released him.
His daughter Wigilinda married Duke Grimoald II of Benevento, son of Romuald I of Benevento. His reign is not noted for its military accomplishments, but for his religious endowments. He built the churches of Saint Agatha and the Virgin (outside the walls) at Pavia. He was succeeded by his more warlike son, who was to fight to no avail against the man his father had caught and let go.