Draft:House of Lombardo

The Lombardo family (Lombardi, Lambardo) was a Venetian comital and patrician family from Lombardy, established in the 9th century. They were rich merchants which were included in the 1297 Serrata Del Major Consiglio. Its members occupied the highest positions in the Venetian Republic while its members went on to create powerful feudal families in Naples, Piedmont, Istria and they enjoyed nobility in various other regions.

The principal male line of the family, namely the Lombardi of Venice, died out at the start of the 18th century, while some of their cadet branches are still flourishing.

Origins
According to Biagio Aldimari, the earliest known member was Homobono Lombardo who lived in 907, which also included Marco Lombardo, a famous character from the Divine Comedy, also known as "Soldano" a valiant Venetian knight who lived in the thirteenth century.

They were of Lombard origin as indicated by their surname and coat of arms, a Germanic people who conquered most of the Italian Peninsula between 568 and 774 of a small tribe called the Winnili dwelling in Northern Germany/Denmark zone

The Lombardi of Venice were included in the lockout of the Great Council in 1297 and had their houses in Fondamenta Lombardo ai SS Gervasio and Protasio.

History
Numerous branches of this family were created during the 13th century and onwards,becoming powerful feudal lords in the various kingdoms of medieval italy, while the main venetian line was heavily involved in politics. They occupied the Signoria, as members of the Council of 10, Council of 40, Savi, Giuidici and State Inquisitors of which were given equal authority to that of the entire Council of Ten. They also held control as rettors, counts and podestas of which the latter occupied 46 times the position between the 14th-15th century. They also were patrons of galleys, condottiere, provedittore and castellans. They also were among those who elected the Doge.

The family was initially called Lambardo but it changed from the 14th century onwards, they contributed greatly to the artistic realm, giving the famous Lombardi architects and artists