Radoald of Benevento

Who was Radoald of Benevento?

Radoald was the duke of Benevento from 646 to his death in 651. His elder brother, Aiulf was mentally unstable and Radoald and their younger brother Grimoald were regents. Radoald and Grimoald were brothers as younger sons of Gisulf II of Friuli. They were adopted sons of Arechis I of Benevento, of whom Aiulf was a son.

In 646, Slavic plunderers landed near Siponto on the Adriatic. Aiulf personally led his forces against the intruders, but his horse fell into a pit dug by the Slavs around their camp and he was surrounded and killed. Radoald succeeded him with the support of King Rothari. Radoald knew the Slavic language and induced them to depart. He was succeeded by Grimoald.