Italy, States: Sicily, under the Normans, 1 Follaro – ND

Description

In 962, Muslims concluded the conquest of Sicily. In 1038, General Maniakes began the reconquest, with the help of Varegos (including the future King of Norway Harald Hardrade), and of Norman forces. Despite the death of Maniakes in a Byzantine civil war in 1043, the Normans would resume the task, conquering Sicily to the Saracenos. Roberto Guiscardo, a descendant of Tancredo de Hauteville, and who had been fighting in southern Italy for several years, decided to invade Sicily, when he already largely controlled Apulia and Calabria, and his presence had already been blessed by the Pope. Although the papacy initially saw with concern the normal actions in the south, the conflict of the investiture with the emperor, decided to seek his help, recognizing his conquests, and inviting that of Sicily, where the Pope appointed Duke to Roberto . In 1060, Roberto begins the invasion, quickly fortifying Messina that will be the link for expansion. After the fall of Palermo in 1072, it was only a matter of time. In 1091 the conquest would close. In 1071, Roberto had created Sicily County, dependent on the Apulia Duchy, and had been granted to his brother Roger. In 1130, Roger II was elevated to the title of King by the Antipapa, although later the Pope would recognize the appointment in 1139. With the marriage of Constance with Emperor Enrique VI, the throne would pass to the Hohestaufen family. The Pope, faced with the Hohestaufen family, would establish the kingdom as papal possession and grant it to Carlos de Anjou in 1262, who conquered the island in 1266 deposing Manfredo (regent of his nephew Conradin). Pedro III of Aragon, married to Manfredo”s daughter, would take control of the island on the Sicilian eve of 1282.