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, whereas Godepert was an Arian. He ruled from Milan, Godepert from Pavia. Godepert called for the aid of Duke Grimoald I of Benevento in a war with Perctarit, but the Beneventan had him assassinated and took control of the kingdom, forcing Perctarit to flee. Perctarit first arrived at the court of the Avar khagan Kakar. Meanwhile his wife, Rodelinde, and their son Cunincpert were captured by Grimoald and sent to Benevento. Perctarit returned soon thereafter to conspire against Grimoald, but fled again to France. When Grimoald concluded a treaty with the Franks, Perctarit prepared to flee to England, but news of Grimoald's death reached him first.