Theudelinda

Theudelinda (Theodelinda, c. 570-628) was a Bavarian-born princess who became queen of the Lombards through her marriage to King Authari and, after his death in 590, to his successor Agilulf, whom she effectively chose. A devout Catholic in a kingdom still largely Arian and pagan, she used her influence to draw the Lombards toward Nicene Christianity and was a key correspondent of Pope Gregory the Great, who addressed several letters to her urging the orthodox baptism of her son Adaloald and praising her piety. She founded the basilica of San Giovanni Battista at Monza and endowed it with treasures (the famous Iron Crown is traditionally associated with her), making her a pivotal figure in the religious and political consolidation of the early Lombard kingdom in northern Italy.