The actual control of the sovereigns of both the major areas that constitute the kingdom – "Langobardia Major" in the centre-north (in turn divided into a western, or Neustria, and one eastern, or Austria and Tuskia) and "Langobardia Minor" in the centre-south, was not constant during the two centuries of life of the kingdom. An initial phase of strong autonomy of the many constituent duchies developed over time with growing regal authority, even if the dukes' desires for autonomy were never fully achieved.