The Iron Crown of Lombardy

By Crusader1307

Considered by Historians as one of the oldest surviving symbols of Royalty known, The “Iron Crown” of Lombardy dates to the 4th Century AD. Originating with The Lombard Monarchy of the 5th Century BC to 8th Century AD, it was aid to have been created from pieces of The Nails which were used to impale Christ onto The Cross. A “Votive Crown” in design, it is covered in many precious jewels and metals. The “Crown” is small, leading some Sources to cite that it may have been a style of Armet (for it's hinged construction). The “Iron Crown” was reputedly used to install Charlemagne as Lombardy King. Early accounts of The “Iron Crown” cite a King also holding The Lance of Longinus (also associated with Christ's death). Used from the 4th Century Ad until the installment of Emperor Ferdinand I (1838). It has been kept at The Monza Cathedral (near Milan) since 1866.