Godescalc of Benevento

A solidus bearing Godescalc's effigy

Godescalc, (aka Godescalco, Gottschalk, Gotteschalchus) was the Duke of Benevento in Langobardia minor from 740 to his assassination in 743. Godescalc's accession was without approval of the king.

With the contemporaneous return of Thrasimund II to power in Spoleto, the wrath of Liutprand, King of the Lombards, was brought down upon central and southern Italy. After taking care of Thrasimund, Liutprand turned to Benevento, where Godescalc was preparing to flee. The duke had already loaded a ship with supplies and with his family and wife, Anna, when the people, faithful to the memory of Romuald II, slew him. His wife and family escaped to Greece.

Sources

• Paul the Deacon. A translation of the Historia Langobardorum. Available at Northvegr.

Notes