Rainulf Drengot facts for kids
Rainulf Drengot (died in June 1045) was a brave Norman adventurer and a soldier for hire, also known as a mercenary, in southern Italy. In 1030, he became the very first Count of Aversa, a powerful leader in the region. He was an important member of the Drengot family.
Early Life and Journey to Italy
Rainulf was sent away from his home in Normandy by Duke Richard II because of a serious incident. After this, Rainulf, his brother Osmond, and their other brothers Gilbert Buatère, Asclettin (who later became a count), and Raulf decided to go on a special religious journey. They traveled to the shrine of Saint Michael, a famous archangel, at Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano. This place was in the Byzantine-controlled area of Italy.
They didn't go alone! They brought about 250 warriors with them. These were other people who had been sent away from their homes, younger sons who didn't inherit land, and other adventurers looking for a new life.
Serving as a Mercenary
In 1017, Rainulf and his group arrived in southern Italy, a region called the Mezzogiorno. At that time, the area was very chaotic and had no strong government. They set up a base at Monte Gargano in Apulia. There, they joined forces with Melus of Bari, a Lombard leader who was fighting against the Byzantine rulers.
Their first big battle was against the Byzantine army led by Basil Boioannes. This fight, called the Battle of Cannae, was a disaster for the Normans. Many of their soldiers were lost, and Rainulf's brother Gilbert, who was their leader, was killed. Rainulf then became the main leader. He took the remaining soldiers from Apulia to Campania. Even though they were surrounded by enemies, they were smart and used the disagreements among the local Lombard leaders to their advantage.
The Normans started offering protection to groups of pilgrims traveling to Saint Michael's shrine. They charged money for this service, keeping the pilgrims safe from other bandits. Rainulf also worked for the Lombard leader Pandulf IV of Capua. A historian named Amatus of Montecassino wrote that the Normans helped Pandulf attack his enemies. However, they were also very focused on making money. They would sometimes leave Pandulf and offer their services to whoever paid the most.
Soon, the Normans held a lot of power in Campania. They made sure that no single Lombard leader became too strong. They would help one side, then the other, to keep things balanced. This way, they always had a job and could make money. More Norman fighters and even local troublemakers joined Rainulf's group. Their shared Norman language and customs helped unite this diverse group of people.
From Mercenary to Count
Rainulf eventually changed his loyalty and started working for Sergius IV of Naples. With Sergius, he had some good successes. In 1030, Duke Sergius gave Rainulf the town of Aversa, which was once a Byzantine stronghold. He also gave Rainulf the important title of count and allowed him to marry his sister.
In 1034, Rainulf's first wife passed away. He then married the daughter of the duke of Amalfi. This new wife was also the niece of Pandulf IV of Capua, who was Sergius's enemy. Rainulf expanded his lands, even taking some from the abbey of Montecassino. In 1037, his title as Count of Aversa was officially recognized by Emperor Conrad II.
After defeating the Byzantines in a battle in 1038, Rainulf declared himself a prince. This meant he was now independent from Naples and his former Lombard allies. He also conquered the lands of his neighbor, Pandulf. Emperor Conrad approved this joining of lands, which created the largest territory in southern Italy. In 1039, Rainulf was allied with Guaimar IV of Salerno and Emperor Conrad.
Rainulf was one of the main leaders who rebelled against the Byzantine Empire in southern Italy in 1040. He played a key role in the important victory at the battle of Olivento in March 1041. In 1042, after his Norman ally William Iron Arm won a victory, Rainulf gained control over Siponto and Monte Gargano, which had been Byzantine territories.
Rainulf died in June 1045. His nephew, Asclettin, who was the son of Asclettin of Acerenza, took over as count.
Historians like Amatus of Montecassino and William of Apulia are the main sources of information about Rainulf's life and achievements.
See also
- Norman conquest of southern Italy
- Drengot family
