LONGOBARDS Meaning and
Definition
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The Longobards, also known as the Lombards, were a Germanic people who played a significant role in Europe's history during the early Middle Ages. Originating in Scandinavia, specifically from southern Sweden, the Lombards migrated southward and settled in the region known as Lombardy (modern-day Italy) in the 6th century.
As a Germanic tribe, the Lombards shared common cultural and linguistic traits with other Germanic peoples. They established their own kingdom in Italy, which lasted from 568 to 774 AD. The Lombards were known for their distinctive lifestyle, characterized by warrior culture and their social hierarchy based on a warrior nobility.
Under their reign, the Lombards came to be recognized as skilled and formidable fighters. They engaged in numerous conflicts with neighboring powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Franks, and other Germanic tribes. These conflicts resulted in territorial expansions as well as periods of decline or loss of power.
The Lombards' political and military achievements were significant, but their cultural impact was also noteworthy. They introduced new Germanic traditions, customs, and institutions to the regions they ruled, leaving an indelible mark on the development of Italy. The Lombards were converted to Christianity during their time in Italy and played a crucial role in the spread of the faith throughout the peninsula.
The Lombard kingdom eventually succumbed to pressure from the Carolingians, and in 774 AD, the Lombard king Desiderius was defeated by Charlemagne, leading to the end of their independent rule. However, the legacy of the Longobards endures in the form of historical records, artifacts, and the cultural influence they left on Italy and the wider European continent.
Etymology of LONGOBARDS
The word "Longobards" is derived from various Germanic languages. In Old English, they were referred to as "Langbeardas", which meant "long-beards". In Old High German, the term was "Langobardan", meaning "long-beards".
The "Longobards" were a Germanic people who originally lived in Scandinavia and migrated southwards during the Migration Period. They settled in present-day Italy in the 6th century and formed the Lombard Kingdom, which lasted until the 8th century. Over time, the term "Langobardan" transformed into "Longobards" in English to refer to this specific Germanic tribe.
