Liutpiriga Ducissa. The eighth-century Tassilo Chalice and Liutpirc’s Bavarian reign reconsidered

Abstract

The eighth-century Tassilo Chalice is a well-known art object. Around its base is an inscription, TASSILO DUX FORTIS + LIUTPIRC VIRGA REGALIS identifying the chalice’s donors. Tassilo’s consort, Liutpirc, is well documented due to her status as a daughter of the last Langobard king, Desiderius, and the wife of the last Agilolfing duke of Bavaria, Tassilo, both of whom were eliminated by Charlemagne. Deeds in the Freising cartulary from Bavaria and Frankish documents indicate that Liutpirc bore the title “ducissa” and exercised considerable political influence which was manifested in support for her exiled brother, Adelgis. Liutpirc’s status thus paralleled that of her sister, Adelperga, who was married to Arichis II, duke of Benevento. The date of Liutpirc’s marriage to Tassilo are reevaluated, and it is suggested that their young son, Theodo, was elevated to ducal status in 777.

Keywords

• Early Middle Ages
• Bavaria
• Benevento
• Liutpirc
• Tassilo
• Charlemagne