Liutpert (also spelled Liutprand in some sources, though distinct from the later King Liutprand) was King of the Lombards from 700 to 702.
Early Life and Accession: Liutpert was the son of Cunincpert, the preceding King of the Lombards. Upon his father's death in 700, Liutpert, who was still a minor, inherited the throne. His regency was entrusted to Ansprand, the Duke of Asti.
Reign and Deposition: Liutpert's reign was brief and marked by internal power struggles within the Lombard kingdom. His authority was almost immediately challenged by Ragimpert, the Duke of Turin and a relative of the royal family. Ragimpert, with the support of several Lombard dukes, launched a rebellion against the young king and his regent. In the ensuing conflict, Ragimpert defeated Ansprand and Theodbert (Duke of Bergamo, an ally of Ansprand) in a battle at Novara.
Following this victory, Ragimpert seized the capital, Pavia, and was proclaimed king in 701, effectively deposing Liutpert.
Later Life and Death: Liutpert was initially spared and taken captive by Ragimpert. However, Ragimpert himself died shortly after his ascension, leading to further instability. His son, Aripert II, succeeded him but faced opposition from Ansprand, who attempted to restore Liutpert to the throne. This led to a renewed civil war. During this conflict, Liutpert was put to death by Aripert II in 702, to prevent him from being used as a pawn by rival factions. His death consolidated Aripert II's claim to the throne.
Significance: Liutpert's short reign is notable primarily for the power vacuum it created and the subsequent period of civil strife it ushered in, which saw multiple claimants to the Lombard throne and marked a period of instability before Aripert II eventually established firm control.