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Theodelinda (or Theodolinda) was the queen of the Lombards, (c. 570-628 AD). She was married first in 588 to Authari, king of the Lombards who died in 590. Theodelinda was allowed to pick Agilulf as her next husband and Authari's successor in 591. She thereafter exerted much influence in restoring Nicene Christianity to a position of primacy in Italy against its rival, Arian Christianity.
After the conversion of Agilulf to the Catholic faith, she started building churches in Lombardy and Tuscany, among them the cathedral of Monza and the first Baptistery of Florence. They were all dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
In addition to the votive crown, she is also related to the famous Iron Crown of Lombardy, also in the Cathedral Treasury in Monza.
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