Hugh, Count of Suio
Hugh (fl. 1023–1040) was the Count of Suio in the Duchy of Gaeta. He was probably a son of Docibilis magnificus, who in turn was probably a son of Landolf, son of Gregory, Duke of Gaeta, and Landolf's mistress Polyssena (Pulessene).[1] He was a brother of Duke Leo II of Gaeta.
Hugh is first mentioned in 1023, when he made a donation of the castle at Suio to the Abbey of Montecassino.[2] Hugh was ill at the time and the donation may have been an attempt to solicit divine favour.[3] On the other hand, considering the instability in Gaeta, Hugh may have been seeking a protector in the abbot, Theobald.[3] What is certain is that Hugh remained staunchly loyal to the ruling branch of his dynasty, the Docibilians, in Gaeta, for he dated his charter by the rule of John V of Gaeta and his regents Emilia and Leo I at a time when the other high-ranking vassals of Gaeta were moving towards independence.[4] Hugh's loyalty may be self-serving, however: his son John, at least, had economic interests in Gaeta.[4]
Hugh maintained his position even after Pandulf IV of Capua conquered Gaeta in 1032.[3] In 1040 he confirmed his gift of 1023 to abbot Riccherius and specifically reserving half of the castle for his son.[3]
He was succeeded by his son John, who was still in power in 1079.[4]
Notes
- Skinner, 141.
- Skinner, 168.
- Skinner, 187.
- Skinner, 169.
Sources
- Skinner, Patricia. (1995). Family Power in Southern Italy: The Duchy of Gaeta and its Neighbours, 850-1139. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-46479-X.