Duchy of Apulia and Calabria

Capital: 1059 AD Melfi / 1077 AD Salerno

History

The Duchy of Apulia and Calabria (Ducato di Puglia e Calabria) was a Norman state in southern Italy, officially established in 1059 when Robert Guiscard was elevated to the rank of duke by Pope Nicholas II. This recognized the successful Norman conquests that had driven out the Byzantine Empire and local Lombard lords from the region.

The duchy was renowned for its powerful military force and served as a major staging ground for the First Crusade. Figures like Bohemond of Taranto led fierce Norman knights from here to the Holy Land.

It was eventually united with the County of Sicily to form the powerful Kingdom of Sicily.

Territory

Related Wars

The First Crusade

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Related People

Godfrey of Bouillon

Leader of the First Crusade and Defender of the Holy Sepulchre

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