The Norman William Iron Arm led the offence, which was part of a greater revolt, against Michael Dokeianos, the Byzantine Catepan of Italy.

[5] While the Normans originally only fought as mercenaries in Italy, they took increasing control during the 1041 revolt, and started to carve out territory for themselves after the Battle of Montemaggiore.

[13] The Byzantine forces also included the Norse-dominated Varangian Guard,[9] led by the future Norwegian king Harald Hardrada,[11] and was morally bolstered by the presence of two Greek Rite bishops from Troia and Ofanto.

[7][9] With the Byzantine army crushed, Michael Dokeianos fell back to the port of Bari, requesting new reinforcements from Sicily.

[14] The victory at Montemaggiore provided the Normans with their first significant acquisition of war booty, including military equipment, horses, tents, precious fabrics, as well as gold and silver vessels.