Italian nobles families in the 6th to 12th centuries are set out in two separate documents, NORTHERN ITALY and the present document SOUTHERN ITALY. This geographic split in presenting the research on Italian nobility is justified by the divergent ways in which the noble families evolved in these two areas during the early medieval period, which is explained in part by the different outside influences to which each area was subject.

The southern Italian principalities established themselves between the 6th and 9th centuries. The Lombards who moved into southern Italy in the latter part of the 6th century established the principality of Benevento. The principality of Salerno broke away at the time of the civil war which followed the death of Sicard Prince of Benevento in 839, its autonomy being confirmed by Louis II King of Italy in 849. Capua broke away in [860/61] and established itself as the third autonomous Lombard principality in southern Italy. Naples had been one of the Byzantine colonies in southern Italy. The dukedom of Naples became autonomous in the 8th century, with its vassal states of Gaeta and Amalfi, which broke away in the 9th century.

The Lombard duchies in southern Italy had three main adversaries: the Byzantines whose colonies survived in the southern part of the Italian peninsula until well into the 11th century; the north African Muslims who conquered Sicily, Messina and Siracusa in the mid-9th century and raided the coastal cities on the west of mainland Italy throughout the period; and the Normans from the 11th century onwards. Geographical distance from the northern Italian kingdom's administrative centres of Pavia and Ravenna enabled the southern principalities to evolve on autonomous lines. In addition, the Papal territories represented a buffer between north and south, especially after the 756 Donation of Pepin under which Papal claims to many parts of central Italy were recognised by the Frankish invaders.

The dating of the Lombard rulers of southern Italy must be considered approximate as in many cases it depends on calculation from the lengths of their reigns as stated in primary sources, not all of which are consistent with each other. Few dates can be corroborated accurately against non-Lombard sources.

Chapter 1. BENEVENTO

The Lombard duchy of Benevento was established in 571, and because of its remoteness from the northern centre of Lombard power developed largely autonomously. It sacked the monastery of Monte Cassino in 580, raided Naples from 581, and ensured that the Byzantine enclaves in southern Italy did not expand further. The first recorded Lombard duke of Benevento was Zotto[1].

A. DUKES (PRINCES from 774) of BENEVENTO (FAMILY of GISULF)

ZOTTO [584]-[604]

1. ZOTTO, son of --- (-[603/04]). He was installed as ZOTTO Duke of Benevento in [583/84]. Paulus Diaconus names "primus Langobardorum dux in Benevento…Zotto" stating that he ruled the principality for 20 years[2]. Paulus Diaconus records the death of "Zottone Beneventanorum duce", specifying that "Arigis" was appointed to succeed as missus by King Agilulf[3].

ARCHIS I [604]-[640], AION I [640]-642

1. ARICHIS, son of --- (-[640]). He was related to Gisulf II Duke of Friulia, but the precise relationship has not yet been identified. Paulus Diaconus records the death of "Zottone Beneventanorum duce", specifying that "Arigis" was appointed to succeed as missus by King Agilulf, and that he was "consanguineus" of "Gisulfi Foroiulani ducis" (presumably referring to Duke Gisulf II) whose sons he had educated[4]. According to the Chronicon Ducum Beneventi, Salerni, Capuæ et Neapolis, "Archis" was installed as ARICHIS I Duke of Benevento in [604/05] and ruled 50 years[5], although this period must be exaggerated. m ---. The name of Duke Arichis's wife is not known. Duke Arichis & his wife had one child:

a) AION (-killed in battle Siponto [641/42]). The Chronicon Ducum Beneventi, Salerni, Capuæ et Neapolis records that "Aio, Arichis filius" succeeded as AION I Duke of Benevento and ruled for 1 year 5 months[6]. According to Paulus Diaconus, he was made to drink a potion which drove him mad, and was killed fighting the Slavs who raided the Adriatic coast of Italy[7]. He was succeeded by his relative Radoald, who was the son of Gisulf II Duke of Friulia.

RADOALD 642-648, GRIMOALD I 648-671

GISULF II Duke of Friulia, son of GISULF I Duke of Friulia & his wife --- (-killed 610). Duke of Friulia. He was killed by the Avars.

1. other children: see FRIULIA.

2. RADOALD (-[647/48]). Paulus Diaconus names "Taso et Cacco iam adulescentes, Raduald…et Grimuald adhuc in puerili ætate" as the sons of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", when recording their escape after their father was killed[8]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Radoald…et Grimoald" went to Benevento to join "Arichis Beneventanorum ducem"[9]. He succeeded his relative Aion I in [641/42] as RADOALD Duke of Benevento. Paulus Diaconus records that "Raduald duce" ruled for 5 years[10].

3. GRIMOALD (-671, bur Ticino, Basilica of St Ambrosius). Paulus Diaconus names "Taso et Cacco iam adulescentes, Raduald…et Grimuald adhuc in puerili ætate" as the sons of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", when recording Grimoald's difficulty in escaping after the death of their father[11]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Radoald…et Grimoald" went to Benevento to join "Arichis Beneventanorum ducem"[12]. He succeeded his brother in [647/48] as GRIMOALD I Duke of Benevento. Paulus Diaconus records that "Grimuald eius germanus" succeeded his brother Radoald and ruled for 25 years[13]. Godepert King of the Lombards sought help from Duke Grimoald in his dispute with his brother King Perctarit in 662, promising Grimoald the hand of their sister in marriage. He deposed King Godepert and installed himself as GRIMOALD King of the Lombards in 662[14]. He threatened to end the peace with the khan of the Avars unless they expelled ex-King Perctarit, the brother of King Godepert[15]. According to Paulus Diaconus, Grimoald defeated an invading army of Franks by leaving his camp unattended with food and wine and attacking the Franks after they had feasted[16]. The same source records that he avenged the murder of his older brothers by destroying the city of Opitergium, where they had been killed, and distributing its territories between Friulia, Tarvisium and Ceneta[17]. Paulus Diaconus also states that Lupus Duke of Friulia rebelled against King Grimoald but was defeated with the help of the Avars, who refused to return home until King Grimoald began assembling an army against them[18]. According to Paulus Diaconus, King Grimoald made a peace treaty with Dagobert II King of the Franks[19], but this report must be inaccurate as King Dagobert only succeeded as king five years after Grimoald died. Paulus reports that Grimoald died allegedly as a result of poisons applied by his doctors when wounds from a previous phlebotomy opened and bled, and was buried "in basilica beati Ambrosii"[20]. m firstly ITA, daughter of --- (-before [663]). Paulus Diaconus records that "Grimuald" had "Romualdum filium et duas filias" by "captiva puella, sed tamen nobili…Ita"[21]. m secondly ([663]) --- of the Lombards, daughter of ARIPERT I King of the Lombards & his wife ---. Paulus Diaconus records that "Grimuald" married "Ariperti regis filiam" soon after starting to rule at Ticino[22]. Duke Grimoald & his first wife had two children:

a) ROMOALD (-687). Paulus Diaconus names "Romualdum filium et duas filias" as the children of Grimoald and his wife Ita[23]. He succeeded his father in 671 as ROMOALD I Duke of Benevento.

- see below.

b) GISA (-Sicily after 662). Paulus Diaconus names "Romualdum filium et duas filias" as the children of Grimoald and his wife Ita[24]. "Gysa soror Romuald" is named in the Benedicti Chronicon [25]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Romualdi sororem…Gisa" was given as a hostage to Emperor Constans II when his withdrawal from Benevento was negotiated, and that she was taken to Sicily where she died[26].

c) daughter . Paulus Diaconus names "Romualdum filium et duas filias" as the children of Grimoald & his wife[27]. Paulus Diaconus records that King Grimoald arranged the marriage of "sua filia, Romualdi altera sorore" to "Transamundum…Capuæ comes"[28]. m ([663]) TRASIMUND Count of Capua, son of ---. Paulus Diaconus records that "Transamundum…Capuæ comes" was installed as TRASIMUND Duke of Spoleto after helping Grimoald Duke of Benevento to secure the Lombard throne[29], the event probably being dated to [665].

Duke Grimoald & his second wife had one child:

d) GARIPALD (-after 671). Paulus Diaconus names "Garibald" as the son of King Grimoald and his wife "Ariperti regis filia"[30]. The same source records that, although still a child, he succeeded his father in 671 as GARIPALD King of the Lombards, but was deposed almost immediately by Perctarit[31].

ROMOALD I 671-687, GRIMOALD II 687-690, GISULF I 690-706

ROMOALD, son of GRIMOALD I Duke of Benevento, King of the Lombards & his first wife Ita --- (-687). Paulus Diaconus names "Romualdum filium et duas filias" as the children of Grimoald and his wife Ita[32]. The Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti names Romoald as son of Grimoald[33]. His father appointed him as regent at Benevento after seizing the kingdom of the Lombards[34]. Paulus Diaconus records that Romoald was besieged in Benevento by Emperor Constans II in [663], and that his father led troops to relieve the siege at which time the emperor withdrew to Naples[35]. Paulus also records that Romoald defeated the Roman commander Saburrus near Forinus[36]. He succeeded his father in 671 as ROMOALD I Duke of Benevento. He captured Tarento and Brindisi and subjugated the whole region[37]. Paulus Diaconus records that Romoald died after ruling for 16 years[38].

m ([664]) THEUDERADA, daughter of LUPUS dux of Forum Iulii [Friulia] & his wife --- (-after 690). Paulus Diaconus records that "Grimualdus rex…suo filio Romualdo" married "Lupo duce…filiam eius Theuderadam" after her father's death[39]. "Theuderada" is named wife of Duke Romoald in the Benedicti Chronicon, but her origin is not given[40]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Romualdus…coniux…eius Theuderata" built "basilicam…beati Petri apostolic" at Benevento[41]. Romoald married Theuderada after her father, who had rebelled against King Grimoald, was killed. She was regent in 690 during the minority of her son Duke Gisulf[42].

Duke Romoald & his wife had three children:

1. GRIMOALD (-690). The Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti names Grimoald as son of Romoald[43]. Paulus Diaconus names (in order) "Grimualdum, Gisulfum…et Arichis" as the three sons of Duke Romoald & his wife[44]. He succeeded his father in 687 as GRIMOALD II Duke of Benevento. Paulus Diaconus records that "Romuald…eius filius Grimualdus" ruled for three years[45]. m WIGLINDA of the Lombards, daughter of PERCTARIT King of the Lombards & his wife Rodelinda --- ([Benevento late 662 or Ticino after 672]-). Paulus Diaconus names "Wigilinda, soror Cunincperti, filia Perctarit regis" as wife of "Romuald…eius filius Grimualdus"[46]. She is not referred to by Paulus Diaconus when he records her mother's exile[47], which suggests that she was born either in Benevento later in 662 or in Ticino after 672.

2. GISULF ([after 672]-706). The Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti names "Gisulfus" as brother of Grimoald[48]. Paulus Diaconus names (in order) "Grimualdum, Gisulfum…et Arichis" as the three sons of Duke Romoald & his wife[49]. He succeeded his brother in 690 as GISULF I Duke of Benevento, under the regency of his mother, his birth date being estimated on the assumption that he was under 18 years old at the time. Paulus Diaconus records that "Gisulfus eius germanus" succeeded Grimoald and ruled for 17 years[50]. Paulus also records that Gisulf captured the Roman city of Sura, with Hirpinum and Arcis, plundered Campania and was persuaded to return to Benevento after Pope John VI sent gifts and ransomed all his captives[51]. m WINIPERGA, daughter of ---. Paulus Diaconus names "Winiperga" as wife of "Gisulfus, eius germanus [Grimualdo]" but does not give her origin[52]. Duke Gisulf I & his wife had one child:

a) ROMOALD ([690]-731). Paulus Diaconus names "Romuald" as the son of Duke Gisulf & his wife[53]. "Romoaldus" is named as son of Gisulf in the Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti[54]. Paulus Diaconus names "Gisulfo Beneventano duce…Romuald eius filius" when recording that he succeeded on the death of his father[55]. He succeeded his father in 706 as ROMOALD II Duke of Benevento.

- see below.

3. ARICHIS (after 673-). Paulus Diaconus names (in order) "Grimualdum, Gisulfum…et Arichis" as the three sons of Duke Romoald & his wife[56]. Stasser[57] suggests that he was the ancestor of Arechis who succeeded Luitprand as Duke of Benevento in 758.

ROMOALD II 706-731, GISULF II 731, 742

ROMOALD, son of GISULF I Duke of Benevento & his wife Winiperga --- ([690]-731). Paulus Diaconus names "Romuald" as the son of Duke Gisulf & his wife[58]. "Romoaldus" is named as son of Gisulf in the Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti[59]. Paulus Diaconus names "Gisulfo Beneventano duce…Romuald eius filius" when recording that he succeeded on the death of his father[60]. He succeeded his father in 706 as ROMOALD II Duke of Benevento. The monastery of Monte Cassino was resettled in [718], and a new monastic complex emerged at San Vinzenzo al Voltunro fifty kilometres to the north-east[61].

m firstly ([715]) GUMPERGA, daughter of --- & his wife Aurona of the Lombards. Paulus Diaconus names "Gumpergam…filia Auronæ, Liutprandi regis sororis" as wife of "Romoald dux Beneventi"[62].

m secondly RANIGUNDA, daughter of GAIDOALD Duke of Brescia & his wife ---. Paulus Diaconus records that Duke Romoald had "aliam coniugem…Ranigundam filiam Gaidualdi Brexiani ducis"[63].

Duke Romoald II & his first wife had one child:

1. GISULF ([720]-after 742). The Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti names "Gisulfus puerulus" as son of Romuald[64]. Paulus Diaconus names "Gisulfum" as the son of "Romoald dux Beneventi" & his first wife[65]. When his father died, attempts were made to kill him and prevent his succession, but the people intervened and saved his life, enabling him to succeed as GISULF II Duke of Benevento. He was deposed in a palace revolt and replaced by Audelahis, who was in turn replaced in [734/35] by Gregorius, nephew of Luitprand King of the Lombards. King Luitprand invited Gisulf to his court at Pavia where he was brought up and his marriage arranged[66]. Paulus Diaconus records that Gisulf II was restored as Duke of Benevento I in 742 by King Luitprand[67], but his rule does not seem to have lasted more than one year. m ([736/37]) SCAUNIPERGA, daughter of ---. Paulus Diaconus records that the marriage of "Gisulfumque suum nepotem" and "Scaunipergam nobili ortam progenie" was arranged by Liutprand King of the Lombards[68]. The Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti names "Scauniperga" as wife of "Gisolfus Beneventanorum dux"[69]. She was regent of Benevento until 756, during the minority of her son Luitprand. Duke Gisulf II & his wife had one child:

a) LUITPRAND (-after 758). The primary source which confirms his parentage is not known. He succeeded his father as LUITPRAND Duke of Benevento. He revolted against Desiderius King of the Lombards, who deposed him in 758, replacing him as duke by Arechis.

AUDELAHIS 731-734, GREGORIUS 734-742, GODESCHALK 742-745

1. AUDELAHIS (-after 734). He was installed in 731 as AUDELAHIS Prince of Benevento after he deposed Duke Gisulf II. The primary source which records this has so far not being identified. His succession is ignored by Paulus Diaconus.

1. GREGORIUS, son of --- (-742). Paulus Diaconus records that Liutprand King of the Lombards installed "suum nepotem Gregorium" as duke of Benevento after deposing Duke Gisulf[70]. "Gregorius" is named in the Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti as "nepos Lioprandi"[71], who installed him as GREGORIUS Duke of Benevento in [734/35] in place of Gisulf. Paulus Diaconus records that he reigned for seven years and was replaced by Godeschalk[72]. m (after [734/35]) GISELPERGA, daughter of ---. Paulus Diaconus names "Giselperga" as wife of "Gregorius", specifying that the marriage was arranged by King Liutprand[73].

2. GODESCHALK (-745). Paulus Diaconus records that "Godescalcus" was installed as GODESCHALK Duke of Benevento after Duke Gregorius died, recording in a later passage that he was deposed and fled to Greece but died en route[74]. m ANNA, daughter of ---. Paulus Diaconus names "Anna" as wife of "Godescalcus", recording in a later passage that she arrived safely in Constantinople after her husband died[75].

ARICHIS II 758-787, GRIMOALD III 787-806

1. ARICHIS, son of --- (-26 Aug [786/88]). The parentage of Arichis is unknown. Stasser suggests that he was descended from Arichis, third son of Romoald I Duke of Benevento, possibly his grandson[76]. He was installed as ARICHIS II Duke of Benevento in 758 by Desiderius King of the Lombards after the deposition of Duke Luitprand. He proclaimed himself Prince of Benevento in 774, as sole Lombard ruler after the incorporation of the Lombard Italian kingdom into the Frankish domain after the defeat of King Desiderius. Paul the Deacon lived at his court[77]. He founded the church of Santa Sophia at Benevento[78]. Different manuscripts of the Annales Beneventani record the death of "Arechis princeps et dux Samnitum" on "VII Kal Sep 788" and in Aug 787[79]. The Annales Laurissenses record the deaths in 787 of "Harichis dux Beneventanus" and of "Romaldum filium suum"[80]. Einhard records the deaths (in 786) of "Aragisus dux Beneventanorum…Rumoldo maiore filio suo" and the accession of "minore ducis filio Grimoldo"[81]. m ADALPERGA of the Lombards, daughter of DESIDERIUS King of the Lombards & his wife Ansa ---. The Chronicon Salernitanum names Adalperga, daughter of Desiderius, as wife of "Arichis Beneventanus dux"[82]. She is referred to as the wife of Duke Arichis in the Versus de Annis by Paulus Diaconus, the initial letters of each verse of the poem spelling out the words "Adelperga pia"[83]. Paul the Deacon dedicated his history of the Roman Empire to her[84]. Duke Arichis & his wife had five children:

a) ROMOALD (-1 Aug [786/88]). "Rumoldum et Grimoldum" are named as sons of "Aragisus" by Einhard[85]. The Chronicon Salernitanum names (in order) "Romoald, Grimoald et Gisifum, Theoderadam et Adelchisam" as children of Duke Arichis and Adalperga[86]. The Annales Beneventani record the death "pridie Kal Aug 787" of "Roimoaldus filius Arechi", earlier in the same month in which his father died[87]. The Annales Laurissenses record the deaths in 787 of "Harichis dux Beneventanus" and of "Romaldum filium suum"[88]. The Annales Laurissenses record the deaths in 787 of "Harichis dux Beneventanus" and of "Romaldum filium suum"[89]. Einhard records the deaths (in 786) of "Aragisus dux Beneventanorum…Rumoldo maiore filio suo" and the accession of "minore ducis filio Grimoldo"[90].

b) GRIMOALD (-806). "Rumoldum et Grimoldum" are named as sons of "Aragisus" by Einhard[91]. The Chronicon Salernitanum names (in order) "Romoald, Grimoald et Gisifum, Theoderadam et Adelchisam" as children of Duke Arichis and Adalperga[92]. Grimoald was taken by Charles I King of the Franks as a hostage for his father's good behaviour, but after the death of his father his mother persuaded the king to release him[93]. He was installed as GRIMOALD III Prince of Benevento in succession to his father[94], in return for recognising Carolingian suzerainty. Einhard records the deaths (in 786) of "Aragisus dux Beneventanorum…Rumoldo maiore filio suo" and the accession of "minore ducis filio Grimoldo"[95]. The Annales Regni Francorum record that, in 788, he won an overwhelming victory over Byzantine forces in Calabria[96]. The dating clause of a charter dated Oct 792, under which "Melonianus" donated property to Cava monastery, refers to the fifth year of "Grimoald…dux gentis Langobardorum"[97]. Grimoald revolted against the Franks in 792, from which time he issued coins in his own name. He also refused to shave his beard despite the Carolingian order to do so[98]. Einhard records that "Grimaldus Beneventanorum dux" captured "Winigisum comitem Spoletii" at "Luceria" and released him the following year[99]. The Annales Fuldenses record that "Winigisus dux Spolitanus" was besieged and captured by "Grimoldo" in 802, but released in the following year[100]. The Annales Regni Francorum also record that, in 802, Grimoald captured Winichis dux of Spoleto at Lucera, and released him the following year[101]. The Annales Beneventani record the death of Prince Grimoald in 806[102]. m WAUTIA, daughter of ---. Erchempert records that "Grimoalt neptem augusti Achivorum in coniugium sumpsit nomine Wautiam"[103]. Prince Grimoald & his wife had one child:

i) IDELRIC "Stoleseyz" . The Chronicon Salernitanum names "Idelrici filius Grimoalt, quem lingua Todesca…Stoleseyz fuit appellatus"[104].

c) GISULF . The Chronicon Salernitanum names (in order) "Romoald, Grimoald et Gisifum, Theoderadam et Adelchisam" as children of Duke Arichis and Adalperga[105].

d) THEODERADA . The Chronicon Salernitanum names (in order) "Romoald, Grimoald et Gisifum, Theoderadam et Adelchisam" as children of Duke Arichis and Adalperga[106].

e) ADELCHISA . The Chronicon Salernitanum names (in order) "Romoald, Grimoald et Gisifum, Theoderadam et Adelchisam" as children of Duke Arichis and Adalperga[107].

GRIMOALD IV 806-817

1. GRIMOALD, son of --- (-murdered 818[108]). His family relationship, if any. with the previous princes of Benevento is not known but his name suggests that there was a connection. The Annales Beneventani record that "Grimoaldus thesaurarius/Grimoaldus Falco" succeeded in 806 as GRIMOALD IV Prince of Benevento[109]. He was forced to pay tribute of 25,000 solidi to Emperor Charles I in 812, and from 814 annual tribute of 7,000 solidi to Emperor Louis I[110]. The dating clause of a charter dated Oct 816, under which "Roppolo filius quondam Tremodi" donated property to Cava monastery, refers to the eleventh year of "domni Grimualdi Beneventane provincie princeps"[111].

SICO I 817-830, SICARD 830-839

SICO, son of --- (-[830/32]). No information has been found about the parentage of Sico. It is possible that he was an illegitimate descendant of one of the previous princes. Gastald of Acerenza. The Annales Beneventani record that he succeeded in 817 as SICO I Prince of Benevento[112]. The dating clause of a charter dated 11 Aug 818, under which "Leo filius quondam Piperati" donated property to Cava monastery, refers to the second year of "domnis nostri Siconi princeps Beneventane provincie"[113]. He raided Naples and captured the body of San Gennaro, the patron saint of the city[114]. The Annales Beneventani record that Sico died in 832[115], but the charter dated May 835, quoted below, refers to the fifth year of his son "domni nostri Sichardi…Beneventane provincie princeps"[116]. According to the Catalogus Principum Salerni, "Syco Spoletinus" was Count of Salerno for 15 years 8 months[117].

m ---. The name of Prince Sico's wife is not known.

Prince Sico & his wife had three children:

1. SICARD (-murdered 839[118]). The Annales Beneventani record that "Sycardus filius Sico princeps" succeeded his father as SICARD Prince of Benevento[119], the Catalogus Principum Salerni stating that he ruled for 7 years 9 months[120]. The dating clause of a charter dated May 835, under which "Willus filius quondam Luperissi" donated property to Cava monastery, refers to the fifth year of "domni nostri Sichardi…Beneventane provincie princeps"[121]. In 836, "Sicardus Langobardorum gentis princeps" made a peace agreement with Naples, represented by Ioannes bishop elect of the church of Naples and Andreas magister militum[122]. The Chronicon Amalphitani records that "Sicardus Princeps" was killed after reigning 7 years[123]. m ADELCHISA, daughter of DAUFER "Mutus" & his wife ---. The Chronicon Salernitanum names "Adelchisa filia Dauferii qui cognominatus fuit Mutus propter impeditionem suæ linguæ" as wife of Sicard[124].

2. SICONULF [Sikenolf] (-Salerno before Mar 850). Nithard names "Sigenulf" as brother of "Sigihard"[125]. "Syconulfum eius fratrem [=Sycard]" is named in the Catalogus Principum Salerni, when recording his imprisonment at Tarento[126]. On the death of his older brother, Radelchis deprived Siconulf of Benevento and imprisoned him at Tarento. The Chronicon Salernitanum records that, with help from Amalfi, he escaped and was brought back to Salerno which, under his leadership, declared war on Benevento[127]. During the civil war which followed, Siconulf gained control of the southern and western parts of the old principality of Benevento, declaring himself SICONULF Prince of Salerno. The dating clause of a charter dated Mar 842, under which "Antipertu et Arnipertu germani filii quondam Cuniperti" donated property to Cava monastery, refers to the third year of "domni nostri Siconolfi"[128]. The ensuing civil war was eventually settled by Louis King of Italy [Carolingian] who arranged the creation of the new principality of Salerno out of Beneventan territory under the Radelgisi et Siginulfi Divisio Ducatus Beneventani which was signed in early 849 [129]. The Chronica Sancti Benedicti Casinensis records the death of Siconolfo at Salerno[130].

- see below, Chapter 2.A. PRINCES of SALERNO.

3. ITA . The primary source which confirms her parentage and her marriage is not known. m ([843/44]) GUIDO II Duke of Spoleto, son of LAMBERT I Duke of Spoleto and his wife --- (-[858/60]).

B. PRINCES of BENEVENTO (FAMILY of RADELCHIS)

It is not certain that the following family group, recorded in Benevento in the late 8th century, was related to the family of Radelchis who succeeded as Prince of Benevento in 839. However, the common use of the name Ursus in both groups suggests that they may have been related. The status of the so-called duchy of "Cerreto Sanita" in Benevento has not been clarified, especially because dukes of Benevento (of the family of Gisulf, see Part A. above) are recorded during the same time-frame.

1. URSUS, son of MUNICHIS Duke of Friulia & his wife --- . Paulus Diaconus names "Munichis, qui pater post Petri Foroiulani et Ursi Cenetensis ducum"[131]. Duke of Cerreto Sanita (in Benevento). same person as…? URSUS (-before 6 Mar 776). "Ursoni bone memorie…Duci" is recorded as the father of "Johannes…Dux" in the latter´s charter dated 6 Mar 776 which records a donation to Nonantola monastery[132]. The co-identity with dux Ursus, son of Munichis, is not certain. The precise territorial extent of the duchy ruled by Ioannes cannot be ascertained from the text of the 776 charter, although the donation to Nonantola (near Modena in Tuscany) suggests that it was further north than the duchy of Benevento. However, no other reference has yet been found to a second dux Ursus during this period, which suggests that the co-identity may be correct. m ARIFLADA, daughter of --- (-before 6 Mar 776). Her marriage is confirmed by the charter dated 6 Mar 776 under which her son "Johannes…Dux ac Ursa sorore mea, Ancilla Christi, filius ac filia Ursoni bone memorie" donated property to the monastery of Nonantola, for the souls of "genitori nostri Domno Ursoni Duci et Domna Ariflada genetrice nostra"[133]. Ursus & his wife had two children:

a) JOHANNES (-after 6 Mar 776). Dux. "Johannes…Dux ac Ursa sorore mea, Ancilla Christi, filius ac filia Ursoni bone memorie" donated property to the monastery of Nonantola, for the souls of "genitori nostri Domno Ursoni Duci et Domna Ariflada genetrice nostra", by charter dated 6 Mar 776, subscribed by "Opertus Comes…"[134].

b) URSA (-after 6 Mar 776). "Johannes…Dux ac Ursa sorore mea, Ancilla Christi, filius ac filia Ursoni bone memorie" donated property to the monastery of Nonantola, for the souls of "genitori nostri Domno Ursoni Duci et Domna Ariflada genetrice nostra", by charter dated 6 Mar 776, subscribed by "Opertus Comes…"[135]. Nun.

RADELCHIS I 839-849, RADELGAR I 851-854, GAIDERIS 878-881

1. RADELCHIS, son of --- (-849). He seized power in Benevento in 839 on the death of Sicard Prince of Benevento. During the civil war which followed, he gained control of Benevento and the northern parts of the old principality, declaring himself RADELCHIS I Prince of Benevento. The civil war was eventually settled by Louis King of Italy [Carolingian] who arranged a division of territories between the two sides under the Radelgisi et Siginulfi Divisio Ducatus Beneventani signed in early 849, Benevento losing half its territory[136]. In 847, the Arabs captured Bari, where they established an emirate, and Tarento[137]. The Annales Beneventani record the death of Prince Radelchis in 849[138]. m CARETRUDA, daughter of ---. The contemporary Epitaphium Caretrudæ names "coniux Radelchis…hæc Caretruda"[139]. Prince Radelchis & his wife had two children:

a) RADELGAR (-854). The Annales Beneventani record that "Radelgarius filius Radelchis princeps" succeeded his father in 849 as RADELGAR I Prince of Benevento[140]. The contemporary Epitaphium Radelcarii Principis names "Radelcarius, Beneventi celsa potestas"[141], arranged in the compilation immediately after the Epitaphium of his supposed mother. The Chonicon Monasterii Beneventani records the death in 854 of "Radelgarius Princeps"[142]. m ---. The name of Radelgar's wife is not known. Prince Radelgar & his wife had one child:

i) GAIDERIS (-881). The Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti record that "Gaiderius filius Radelgarii" succeeded his uncle in 878 as GAIDERIS Prince of Benevento[143]. The Annales Beneventani record that he was deposed and expelled from Benevento in Jan 881[144].

b) ADELCHIS (-murdered 878). The Annales Beneventani record that "Adelgis germanus frater Radelgarii" succeeded his brother in 854 as ADELCHIS Prince of Benevento[145].

- see below.

ADELCHIS 854-878, RADELCHIS II 881-884, 897-900, AGO 884-891, URSUS 891-892, GUIDO 895-897

ADELCHIS, son of RADELCHIS I Prince of Benevento & his wife Caretruda --- (-murdered 878). The Annales Beneventani record that "Adelgis germanus frater Radelgarii" succeeded his brother in 854 as ADELCHIS Prince of Benevento[146]. Emperor Louis II occupied Benevento in 866, using it as his southern base particularly to plan the recapture of Bari from the Arabs. During this time, the emperor minted coins in association with Prince Adelchis[147]. The over-bearing manner of Empress Engelberga triggered her arrest, and that of her husband, at Benevento in Aug 871, although their release was negotiated within a month by the bishop of Benevento[148]. Regino records that "Adalgisus dux Beneventanus" rebelled against Emperor Louis in 871, having been corrupted by the Greeks[149]. The Chonicon Monasterii Beneventani records that "Adelchis Princeps" was killed in 878[150].

m ---. The name of Adelchis's wife is not known.

Prince Adelchis & his wife had three children:

1. RADELCHIS (-900). The Annales Beneventani record that "Radelchis iunior/Radelgis filius predicti Adelgisii" succeeded in 881 as RADELCHIS II Prince of Benevento[151]. The Annales Beneventani record that he was deposed and expelled from Benevento in 885[152] and, in a later passage, that he was restored as Prince of Benevento in 898[153]. In Jan 900, he was deposed again, by Atenolf I Prince of Capua "cognatus eius", who seized the Beneventan throne[154].

2. AIO (-Oct 891). The Cronica de Monasterio Sanctissimi Benedicti record that "Aio frater Radelchis" succeeded in 884 as AIO Prince of Benevento[155]. The Byzantines, under Nikephoros Phokas, launched a major campaign in southern Italy between late 883 and 885, recapturing most of Calabria from Benevento and Salerno[156]. Byzantine forces attempted to capture Beneventan towns in [888] and Prince Aio responded by seizing Bari, although the town was recaptured within a year. This was followed by an invasion of Beneventan territory by Naples[157]. The Chonicon Monasterii Beneventani records the death in Oct 891 of "Aio Princeps"[158]. m ---. The name of Aio's wife is not known. Prince Aio & his wife had one child:

a) URSUS (-892 or after). The Annales Beneventani record that "Ursus puer filius Aio" succeeded his father in 891 as URSUS Prince of Benevento[159]. The Annales Beneventani record that "Sybbaticius/Simbaticius", Byzantine strategos of Calabria, captured Benevento in Oct 892, deposed Ursus, and established the town as the Byzantine administrative capital for the newly established theme of Longobardia in place of Bari[160]. The contemporary Epitaphium Ursi names "Ursus…splendida progenies", specifying that "hunc genuit princeps Bardorum stemmate clarus Radelchis", although it does not name his father[161].

3. AGELTRUDA (-after 921). Herimannus names "Angildruda" as widow of Guido and mother of Lambert, but does not give her origin[162]. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. The Annales Fuldenses name "Ageldrudis vidua Widonis" in 896[163]. A document dated 1 Dec 898 records a peace agreement reached between Berengar King of Italy and "Ageltrudæ relicta quondam Widoni imperatoris" and "filio eius Lamberto [imperatoris]"[164]. m GUIDO III Duke of Spoleto, son of GUIDO II Duke of Spoleto & his wife Ita of Benevento (-894). He was elected GUIDO I King of Italy at Pavia 12 Feb 889. He was crowned Emperor at Rome 21 Feb 891. Emperor Guido & his wife had two children:

a) GUIDO di Spoleto (-murdered Rome early 897). The primary source which confirms his parentage is not known. He succeeded his great uncle in [888/89] as GUIDO IV Duke of Spoleto. The Annales Beneventanti record the he expelled the Byzantines from Benevento in 895[165], forcing them back to Bari, and established himself as GUIDO Prince of Benevento[166]. He returned to Spoleto in 897 and offered Benevento to his brother-in-law Guaimar Prince of Salerno, who was captured and blinded on his way to the city[167]. He was killed by Alberico, who later succeeded as Duke of Spoleto.

b) other children: see SPOLETO.