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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 - The medieval continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, centered on Constantinople. For over a millennium, it served as a bastion of Christianity and Roman law, preserving ancient knowledge until its fall in 1453. 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 - The County of Sicily (Contea di Sicilia) was a Norman state that ruled southern Italy and the island of Sicily, established around 1071. It was founded by Roger I, a Norman nobleman, who conquered the region from the Arab emirs. The county was known for its unique blending of Norman, Greek, Arab, and Latin cultures. Norman knights from southern Italy played a crucial role in the First Crusade, led by figures like Bohemond of Taranto. to form the powerful Kingdom of Sicily.

Territory

Related Wars

The First Crusade

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Related Civilizations

Byzantine Empire

The medieval continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, centered on Constantinople. For over a millennium, it served as a bastion of Christianity and Roman law, preserving ancient knowledge until its fall in 1453.

County of Edessa

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County of Sicily

The County of Sicily (Contea di Sicilia) was a Norman state that ruled southern Italy and the island of Sicily, established around 1071. It was founded by Roger I, a Norman nobleman, who conquered the region from the Arab emirs. The county was known for its unique blending of Norman, Greek, Arab, and Latin cultures. Norman knights from southern Italy played a crucial role in the First Crusade, led by figures like Bohemond of Taranto.

County of Tripoli

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Fatimid Caliphate

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Holy Roman Empire

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Kingdom of France

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Kingdom of Jerusalem

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Principality of Antioch

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Seljuk Empire

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Related People

Godfrey of Bouillon

Leader of the First Crusade and Defender of the Holy Sepulchre

Pope Urban II

Pope who initiated the First Crusade