Pronunciation: [ɡˈastaldəs] (IPA) 
Gastaldus is a Latin word that was used in medieval times to describe a nobleman or an official who presided over a gastaldia, which was a type of administrative district. The spelling of this word is derived from its pronunciation in Latin, where the "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, and the "a" is pronounced as a short "a" sound. The phonetic transcription of Gastaldus is [gaˈstal.dus], with the stress on the second syllable.
Gastaldus is a term derived from the Germanic language, specifically from the Old Lombardic language. It refers to a historical administrative and judicial figure in the Lombard kingdom, which existed in present-day Italy from the 6th to the 8th century.
In this context, Gastaldus was a high-ranking official who held significant authority within a gastaldia, a Lombard administrative district. The gastaldus was appointed by the king or local lord to oversee various functions in the region, including governance, taxation, and the maintenance of law and order. They were responsible for the administration of justice and acted as judges in the gastaldia.
The gastaldus played a crucial role in the feudal system prevalent in the Lombard kingdom. They were responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining the security and order in their assigned territories. They also had the power to mobilize the local militia for defense purposes. With their administrative and judicial roles, gastaldi exercised a considerable influence over the daily lives of people in their jurisdiction.
Over time, as the Lombard kingdom dissolved and various states emerged, the role and power of the gastaldus diminished. Eventually, the title gastaldus was replaced by other administrative designations as political systems evolved. However, the history and significance of the gastaldus remain integral to the understanding of the Lombardic era and its administrative structure.
