Rainolf Drengot, count of Aversa

A Norman mercenary, Rainulf Drengot, who assisted Melus of Bari in his revolt against the Byzantines, also helped the duke of Naples, Sergius IV, to reconquer the duchy, which had been seized by Pandulf III of Capua. In recognition of this, the duke invested him with the county of Aversa, which then tended to attract the Norman bands. In 1042, in a share-out with other Norman leaders, Rainulf obtained Siponto and the Gargano peninsula.