Career

Maria had two sons, John and Manso. In 1028, she and the younger son, Manso, seized the Amalfitan throne and expelled Sergius and John, who fled to Constantinople. In 1029, John returned and deposed both Maria and Manso.

This time it was certainly the result of Pandulf"s interference, for Maria"s daughter was married to Ranulf Drengot, the count of Aversa, in order to cement the alliance between Pandulf and the Normans.

This daughter"s existence is recorded by Amatus of Montecassino: "the Patrician of Amalfi"s daughter, who was Prince Pandulf"s niece, as the Patrician"s wife was Pandulf"s sister." The identity of this daughter had been confused, as has that of Ranulf"s first wife. Maria took the title ducissa et patricissa: "duchess and patricia".

This act of cruelty outraged the Amalfitans, who deposed both of them and accepted the rule of Guaimar IV of Salerno.