He was the second son of Landulf III of Benevento, who was only a co-ruler.
His brother Pandulf eventually succeeded in becoming Prince of Benevento.
In 1000, the reigning prince of Capua, Adhemar, was overthrown.
The brother of the reigning prince of Benevento was called in.
Before he was elevated to princely status, he had been compensated with the county of Sant'Agata de' Goti, the site of a great fortress.