Rosamund (queen)

Pietro della Vecchia - Rosamund forced to drink from the skull of her father

Rosamund (queen) was a figure shrouded in the mists of history and legend, primarily known through the tales of the Lombards, a Germanic people who played a significant role in the early medieval history of Europe. Her story is intertwined with themes of love, betrayal, and vengeance, offering a glimpse into the turbulent times of the 6th century.

Early Life

Rosamund was the daughter of Cunimund, king of the Gepids, a tribe that was eventually conquered by the Lombards under their king, Alboin. In 567, following the defeat of the Gepids, Alboin took Rosamund as his wife, either through force or political arrangement, a common practice among the Germanic tribes to cement alliances and claim legitimacy.

Life as Queen

As queen, Rosamund's life was marked by her tumultuous relationship with King Alboin. The most infamous episode, as recounted by historians such as Paul the Deacon in his Historia Langobardorum, involves Alboin forcing Rosamund to drink from the skull of her father, which he had fashioned into a cup. This act of cruelty is often highlighted as a symbol of Alboin's brutality and the harsh realities of the time.

Revenge and Death

The relationship between Rosamund and Alboin ultimately led to a conspiracy against the king. Rosamund, seeking vengeance for her father's death and her own humiliation, conspired with two of Alboin's followers, Helmichis and Peredeo, to assassinate the king in 572. Following the murder of Alboin, Rosamund attempted to flee with her co-conspirators and the royal treasure.

Her escape led her to Ravenna, under the protection of the Byzantine Empire. However, her relationship with Helmichis turned sour, and she attempted to have him killed. The plot failed, and in a twist of fate, Helmichis forced Rosamund to drink poison. She died shortly thereafter, her life ending as tragically as it had been lived.

Legacy

The story of Rosamund has been the subject of various historical and literary works, often romanticized or vilified to suit the narrative needs of the authors. Her tale is a poignant reminder of the complexities of power, the personal costs of political alliances, and the brutal realities of leadership in the early medieval period.