Quick Facts
Gepid princess forced to marry her father's killer, who avenged her people by orchestrating the murder of the Lombard King Alboin.
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Life Journey
Born as princess of the Gepids, a Germanic people ruling in the Carpathian Basin.
Raised in the Gepid court, learning the ways of royalty and statecraft.
The Gepid Kingdom faced increasing pressure from the Lombards under King Audoin.
The Lombards, allied with the Avars, destroyed the Gepid Kingdom. Her father Cunimund was killed by Alboin.
Forced to marry Alboin, her father's killer, who had made a drinking cup from her father's skull.
Accompanied Alboin as he led the Lombard invasion and conquest of Italy.
Established as queen in the new Lombard Kingdom of Italy, outwardly submissive but nursing her hatred.
Endured years of humiliation as trophy wife of her father's murderer.
At a banquet, Alboin forced her to drink from her father's skull, sealing his fate.
Began plotting Alboin's murder, seducing his armor-bearer Helmichis as her ally.
Tricked the warrior Peredeo into helping by sleeping with him in darkness, giving him no choice but to join the conspiracy.
Alboin was killed in his bed by Peredeo while Rosamund secured his sword so he could not defend himself.
Fled to Byzantine Ravenna with Helmichis and the royal treasury.
Plotted to poison Helmichis to marry the Byzantine governor Longinus.
When Helmichis realized he was poisoned, he forced her to drink from the same cup, killing them both.