Gisulf I of Friuli

Gisulf I was from 568 to about 581, the first Lombard dux ( duke ) of the Duchy of Friuli.

Life

Gisulf was a nephew of the Lombard king Alboin. At the conquest of Italy by his uncle Alboin in 568 Gisulf participated as marpahis ( commander of the cavalry ). After the occupation of the Veneto appointed Alboin Gisulf, a very capable man ( virum by omnia idoneum ), the dux of Forum Julii (Friuli ) with its capital in Cividale. With Alboin consent Gisulf moved by it selected Lombard farae ( family associations ) there.

After Alboin's successor Cleph had died in the year 574, chose the Lombards during the 10-year interregnum no new king, but were under the rule of 35 dukes, greatly increased their influence during this period. The Roman population was suppressed stronger than ever at this time.

As Gisulf died ( probably around 581 ), followed by Grasulf as dux, who was Gisulfs brother well. Grasulf ruled until about 590, then his son took over the office Gisulf II.

Swell

• Paul the Deacon, Historia Langobardorum, ed. Ludwig Bethmann and Georg Waitz, in: Monumenta Historica Germaniae, Scriptores rerum et Langobardicarum Italicarum SAEC. VI -IX, Hahn, Hannover 1878