 The Lombards settled the area between Benevento and Taranto on the Ionian Sea; the Duchy of Benevento was established and the eponymous city became the capital of Southern Italy.It was during this period, between the arrival of the Lombards led by the Zotto in 571, and 591 in which the town of Guardia was settled.The area was selected for its geographic features, which could be used as a defensive outpost.