towns to the Holy See and even enlarge the Papal State.

By 757, Desiderius began securing his power, taking what historian Walter Goffart terms, "vigorous steps to suppress resistance to himself in the powerful duchies of Spoleto, in central Italy, and Benevento, to the south." When the upstart Liutprand (Duke of Benevento)--who despised Desiderius--challenged his kingship and threatened to place himself under the protection