The battle of Montepeloso was part of a Lombard-Norman revolt against the Byzantine Empire in southern Italy, with preceding battles at Olivento in March, and at Montemaggiore in May, both rebel victories. Before the battle, the Normans and Lombards agreed on chosing Atenulf, Prince of Benevento as their new leader, while the Byzantine Catepan Michael Doukeianos was replaced by Exaugustus Boioannes.