In February 1047, Drogo of Hauteville was elected as the Count of Apulia by a coalition of Norman nobles who had settled in Southern Italy. This significant event occurred during a time when the region was characterized by political instability, with various factions vying for control amid the decline of Byzantine influence and local Italian powers. The rise of the Normans, originally Vikings who had settled in northern France and converted to Christianity, saw them engaging in the politics of this Mediterranean region. Despite their initial roles as mercenaries for local rulers, the Normans began to carve out their own power bases. Drogo's election not only bolstered his family's status but also reinforced the Normans' emerging role as key political players in Southern Italy.

Drogo was the son of Tancred of Hauteville, a pivotal figure in the Norman expansion in Italy. Drogo's ascent to the title of Count came after impressive military successes and strategic marriages that secured alliances with local powers. His leadership marked a turning point, enabling the Normans to consolidate their influence over Apulia, which would later serve as a base for future military campaigns into Sicily and beyond. The election underscored the Normans' ability to navigate complex feudal allegiances and local rivalries, laying the groundwork for future conquests across the Italian Peninsula.

Drogo's rule ushered in a new era characterized by the establishment of feudalism in the region and the integration of Norman customs with local traditions. The growing strength of the Hauteville family and their allies challenged the remaining Byzantine presence and weakened other local factions. This event was part of a broader narrative of transformation in Southern Italy, which would eventually witness the establishment of the Kingdom of Sicily.