The Lombards, one of the Germanic tribes that formed the Suebi, had migrated in 568 into Italy, which had been left almost defenseless after the Empire's armies had overthrown the Ostrogothic kingdom there.

By the time of Agilulf (reigned 590-615), the Lombards were well established in the Italian peninsula with a capital in the north at Pavia and strong duchies in Spoleto, Tuscany, and Beneventum.

Pavia, where the royal palace is located, has become the center of administrative organization.

King Rothari had died in 652 after a sixteen-year reign and had been succeeded by his son Rodoald as king of the Lombards.

Rodoald, said to be lecherous, is assassinated after a reign of just six months in 653 by the husband of one of his lovers.

Paul the Deacon writes that Rodoald "had reigned five years and seven days," although historians note that this length of reign is suspect.

Aripert, a rival claimant, is elected with the support of the Catholic Church, which opposes the Arian monarchy.

Aripert is the first Roman Catholic king of the Lombards.