Background
He was born in Verdal, and is the younger brother of athlete Pål Benum.
He was born in Verdal, and is the younger brother of athlete Pål Benum.
He graduated from the University of Oslo with a candidate.philol.
Research fellow history University Oslo, 1968—1973, professor modern history, since 1980, head department history, 1983—1985, 1993—1995, head forum history, 1997—2002, member faculty council, 1993—1996. Professor history University Tromsø, 1973—1980. Member public committee, Norwegian Research Council of Scientific & Letters, 1975—1979, Head, committee research history work, 1979—1982.
Board member Norwegian Branch American Field Service, 1961—1963, leader, student union liberal students, 1964—1966. Deputy leader Norwegian Liberal Youth Organization, 1965—1967. Board member, local organization youth orchestra, 1990—1994.
Member of Norwegian Academy of Sciences & Letters.
Married Inga Nakling Benum, June 7, 1967. Children: Sigurd, Hallvard.