Landulf I, prince of Benevento and Capua (Italy)

Landulf I, a prominent Lombard nobleman who passed away on April 10, 943, held the significant princely titles of Benevento and Capua (where he was known as Landulf III). His ascent to power began on January 12, 901, when his formidable father, Atenulf I – who was already Prince of Capua and the conqueror of Benevento – brought him into co-rulership, marking the start of a pivotal reign in Southern Italy, a region often referred to as the Mezzogiorno, which was then a complex mosaic of Lombard, Byzantine, and independent duchies.

Consolidation of Power and Diplomatic Endeavors

To bolster his authority and gain imperial recognition, Landulf embarked on a journey to Constantinople in 909. There, he was bestowed with the esteemed Byzantine titles of anthypatos and patrikios, designations that conferred considerable prestige and acknowledged his status within the Byzantine imperial hierarchy, though without necessarily implying subservience. His brother, Atenulf II, remained in Italy and received similar investitures, ensuring a shared dynastic legitimacy. Upon his father's death in June 910, Landulf became the sole reigning prince, yet he promptly invested his brother as co-prince, demonstrating a clear commitment to shared governance and familial strength.

Forging Alliances and the Battle of Garigliano

Landulf I proved to be a shrewd diplomat, skillfully navigating the intricate political landscape of the Mezzogiorno. On July 2, 911, he formalized a crucial alliance by signing a treaty with Duke Gregory IV of Naples, a move indicative of his broader strategy to foster friendship and cooperation among the Christian rulers of Southern Italy. While maintaining an alliance with the powerful Byzantine Empire was a cornerstone of his foreign policy, Landulf always ensured it was a relationship of mutual respect, never one of servility; he consistently refused to pledge vassalage to the Emperor in Constantinople, asserting his independence. In a significant ecclesiastical move in 914, he successfully orchestrated the transfer of the renowned abbey of Monte Cassino from Teano to Capua, a strategic decision that brought spiritual and political influence closer to his seat of power. He and Atenulf subsequently appointed a figure named John as the abbot. The following year, in 915, they dispatched Abbot John as an ambassador to Constantinople, tasked with reaffirming the bonds of allegiance, likely hoping to maintain a delicate balance between autonomy and imperial favor.

The summer of 915 witnessed a crucial moment in the region's history: a grand coalition formed to confront the pervasive Saracen threat. Forces led by the new Byzantine strategos of Bari, Nicholas Picingli, converged with those of various other South Italian princes. Through astute diplomatic marriages, Landulf had masterfully forged these alliances: he himself had wed Gemma, the daughter of Athanasius of Naples, while his brother Atenulf's daughter, Gaitelgrima, was married to Guaimar II of Salerno. Landulf’s own son, Atenulf III, further cemented these ties by marrying Rotilda, Guaimar’s daughter. This powerful Greco-Lombard army then joined forces with the northern contingents of Pope John X and Alberic I of Spoleto. The combined might of this coalition culminated in the decisive Battle of Garigliano, where they achieved a monumental victory, vanquishing the Saracens who had long plagued the region. According to the chronicler Liudprand of Cremona, it was Landulf, whom he described as a "potent prince" and militarily savvy, who, in response to a papal request for advice, initiated the very alliance that brought an end to the Saracen presence on the Garigliano, thereby downplaying the coordinating role of Pope John X in favor of Landulf’s strategic brilliance.

Shifting Policies and Later Challenges

Landulf’s reign was not without its strategic shifts and complexities. In 921, he lent his support to an anti-Greek rebellion in Apulia, personally leading ravaging expeditions as far as Ascoli, openly challenging Byzantine authority. This aggressive stance, however, came at a cost; he was compelled to send his second son, Landulf II, to Constantinople as a hostage, a clear sign of Byzantine leverage. In either 923 or 926, demonstrating continued ambition against the Byzantines, he reached an agreement with Guaimar for a joint assault on imperial possessions: Landulf aimed for Apulia, while Guaimar targeted Campania. While Guaimar achieved considerable success, Landulf’s efforts in Apulia were largely unfruitful. Undeterred, in 929, he again invaded Apulia and Calabria, this time alongside Atenulf II, Guaimar II, and Theobald of Spoleto, but this expedition too met with little success and, regrettably, strained the long-standing alliance.

The political tides began to turn against Landulf in his later years. In 933, he associated his son Atenulf with himself and his brother in the government, perhaps signaling a need for broader leadership in challenging times. By 934, the Byzantine agent Cosmas of Thessalonica successfully persuaded Guaimar to withdraw from the anti-Byzantine alliance, a significant diplomatic setback for Landulf. The following year, King Hugh of Italy further complicated matters by aligning himself with the Greeks. Within a few years, Landulf’s previously successful anti-Byzantine policy had been effectively reversed, forcing him to seek peace. Nonetheless, skirmishes persisted, with clashes recorded at Siponto in 936 and Matera in 940. A new threat emerged in 937 when a band of Hungarians, marching from Burgundy through the Rhone valley in the service of King Hugh, descended upon Italy. They were directed against key centers like Monte Cassino, Naples, and Capua, plundering and destroying everything in their path, adding another layer of instability to the region. In 939, Landulf’s brother, Atenulf, passed away. His eldest son, also named Landulf, initially succeeded him but was soon exiled to Naples by his uncle, the elder Landulf. Four years later, on April 10, 943, Landulf I himself died, bringing to a close a long and eventful reign characterized by both strategic triumphs and significant challenges in the tumultuous landscape of early medieval Southern Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Landulf I?

Landulf I was a prominent Lombard nobleman who served as the Prince of Benevento and Capua (as Landulf III) from 901 until his death in 943. He was initially co-ruler with his father, Atenulf I, and played a significant role in the political and military landscape of Southern Italy.

When did Landulf I rule?

Landulf I ruled as co-prince from January 12, 901, and became sole prince in June 910. He reigned until his death on April 10, 943.

What were the Byzantine titles he received?

In 909, Landulf I traveled to Constantinople and was granted the prestigious Byzantine titles of anthypatos and patrikios. These titles conferred significant honor and recognized his standing within the Byzantine imperial system.

What was the significance of the Battle of Garigliano?

The Battle of Garigliano in 915 was a pivotal engagement where a grand coalition of South Italian Christian rulers, including Landulf I, allied with papal and northern Italian forces to decisively defeat the Saracens. This victory significantly curbed Saracen power and influence in the region.

What was his policy towards Byzantium?

Landulf I maintained a complex relationship with Byzantium. While he sought alliances and accepted imperial titles, he steadfastly refused to become a vassal of the emperor, asserting his independence. Later in his reign, he actively pursued an anti-Byzantine policy, supporting rebellions and initiating joint attacks on imperial territories, though with mixed success.

How did he maintain alliances?

Landulf I was a skilled diplomat who maintained alliances through strategic treaties, such as with Duke Gregory IV of Naples, and notably through a series of significant dynastic marriages. These marriages connected his family with other powerful ruling houses of Southern Italy, including those of Naples and Salerno, strengthening a broad network of Christian rulers against common threats like the Saracens.

When did Landulf I die?

Landulf I died on April 10, 943.