Perctarit (also Berthari) (died 688) was the first Catholic king of the Lombards who lead a religiously divided kingdom during the 7th Century.

He is significant for making Catholicism the official religion, sparing the life of an invading leader, and building projects around the capital.

They were from the Bavarian Dynasty kings of the Lombards who descended from Garibald I. Perctarit ruled from Milan, Godepert from Pavia.

The fact that Aripert I was the nephew of the well-known Lombard Queen Theodelinda may have played an integral part in his claim to the throne.

[1] The Pagan roots of Lombard people helps to understand the religious and societal divide encountered during this power struggle between Grimoald and Perctarit’s reign.

[4] In 662, shortly after Perctarit and Godepert took power, a plot was brewing to remove the brother co-kings and install one of the Lombard dukes in their place.

Godepert was reported to have been unaware that Duke Grimoald had amassed an army and was advancing on Pavia due to Garipald's misinformation and sabotage.

After killing Godepert, Grimoald acts quickly and confirms his claim to the throne by marrying into the royal Lombard bloodline.

Grimoald’s reign shows the divide between Christians with Arians and Catholics both wanting to be the official religion.

[8] Perctarit prepared to sail to Britain, but news of Grimoald's death reached him first and he returned to Italy.

[9] In 671, Perctarit returned from exile and reclaimed his realm, which was being ruled on behalf of Grimoald's son Garibald.

He is responsible for the building of the famous nunnery of Saint Agatha and Church of the Virgin outside of Pavia the capital city.

[8] These building projects aim to strengthen the Catholicism in Lombard society and unite the people under one branch of Christianity.

[11] In History of the Langobards Paul describes Cunipert as influential to Perctarit’s mercy on Alahis after he is captured during the rebellion.