Landulf I of Benevento facts for kids

Landulf I (died April 10, 943) was a powerful leader from a group called the Lombards. He was the Prince of Benevento and Prince of Capua in southern Italy. He started ruling on January 12, 901. His father, Atenulf I, who was also a prince, decided to share his power with Landulf.

Early Life and Power

Becoming a Prince

In 909, Landulf traveled to Constantinople. This was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. There, he received special titles like anthypatos and patrikios. These titles showed he was important to the Byzantine emperor. His brother, Atenulf II, also received similar titles in Italy.

In June 910, Landulf's father passed away. Landulf then became the sole prince of Benevento and Capua. Right away, he made his brother Atenulf II a co-prince. This meant they would rule together.

Building Alliances

On July 2, 911, Landulf signed an agreement with Duke Gregory IV of Naples. This was part of his plan to make friends with other Christian rulers in southern Italy. He also wanted to stay allied with the Byzantine Empire. However, he never became a servant or "vassal" of the emperor. He wanted to be an equal partner.

In 914, Landulf helped move the important Monte Cassino abbey. It moved from Teano to Capua. He and Atenulf then chose a man named John to be the new abbot. The next year, in 915, they sent John to Constantinople. His job was to renew their friendship with the Byzantine Empire.

The Battle of Garigliano

Joining Forces

In the summer of 915, many leaders in southern Italy joined forces. The Byzantine general, Nicholas Picingli, gathered his army. Other princes also brought their soldiers. These included John I and Docibilis II of Gaeta, Gregory IV and John II of Naples, and Guaimar II of Salerno.

Landulf had made these rulers his allies through marriages. He married Gemma, the daughter of Athanasius of Naples. His brother Atenulf's daughter, Gaitelgrima, married Guaimar II. Landulf's own son, Atenulf III, married Rotilda, Guaimar's daughter.

Fighting the Saracens

Together, this large army of Greeks and Lombards joined forces. They met with armies from the north. These northern forces were led by Pope John X and Alberic I of Spoleto. They all fought against the Saracens (Muslim raiders) at the Battle of Garigliano. The Saracens were defeated.

A writer named Liudprand of Cremona said Landulf was a "potent prince." He wrote that Landulf helped the Pope plan the alliance. This alliance finally ended the Saracen threat at Garigliano. Liudprand gave Landulf much credit for his military skills.

Later Years and Conflicts

Challenging the Byzantines

In 921, Landulf supported a rebellion against the Greeks in Apulia. He attacked areas as far as Ascoli. However, he was later forced to send his second son, Landulf II, to Constantinople. His son went as a hostage, a promise of peace.

Around 923 or 926, Landulf and Guaimar agreed to attack Byzantine lands together. Landulf would attack Apulia, and Guaimar would attack Campania. Landulf didn't have much success, but Guaimar did better. In 929, Landulf, Atenulf II, Guaimar II, and Theobald of Spoleto invaded Apulia and Calabria again. This time, none of them succeeded. Theobald's actions even hurt their alliance.

Shifting Alliances

In 933, Landulf brought his son Atenulf into the government. This meant Atenulf would rule alongside Landulf and his brother. In 934, Guaimar was convinced to leave the alliance. A Byzantine agent named Cosmas of Thessalonica persuaded him. In 935, King Hugh of Italy started supporting the Greeks.

Within a few years, Landulf's efforts against the Byzantines were reversed. He had to make peace. But small fights still happened. There were clashes at Siponto in 936 and at Matera in 940.

Hungarian Raids and End of Rule

In 937, a group of Hungarians marched into Italy. They were working for King Hugh. He sent them to attack Monte Cassino, Naples, and Capua. They plundered and destroyed everything in their path.

In 939, Landulf's brother Atenulf died. Atenulf's oldest son, Landulf, took his place. But his uncle Landulf I soon sent him away to Naples. Landulf I himself died four years later, on April 10, 943.