In this AAR I will be playing the de Hauteville's and started as Robert the Duke of Apuila. I don't have any real goals just expand and spread Norman influence through Europe.
The Duchy of Apuila 1066
The Duke of Apuila, Robert Guisard
Robert Guiscard de Hauteville
Born 1020
Died 1087
Count of Apulia 1057-1059
Duke of Apulia/Calabria 1059-1078
Duke of Sicily 1070-1078
Robert was married twice, his first wife was called Alberada and together they had one child Bohemond, who’s paternity was not definite. His second marriage was to a Lombard maiden called Sigelgaita together they had four children, Roger Borsa, Mauger who died as a child, Mathilde and Emma. Robert also sired an illegitimate son named William.
Robert's second wife, Sigelgaita of Salerno
Robert was successful in Sicily conquering the island in four years from 1066-1070
Siracusa 1067 – Given to his nephew Serlo II
The Duke's nephew, Serlo II
Agrigento 1068 – Made a bishopric
Trapani 1068 – Given to Roger di Simiano, Robert’s marshal
The Duke's former marshal, Roger di Simiano.
Palermo 1070 – Retained by Robert later given to his son Roger
In 1068 Robert gained Capua through a diplomatic move. The pope, Alexander II excommunicated the Count of Capua in preparation for an attack by the papacy. Robert offered to help the count and put him under his protection as a vassal of his nephew Abelard. The papal state smartly did not invade and a few years later Abelard revoked the count’s title and gave Capua to his own son.
The pope, Alexander II.
The Greek outpost of Napoli was the last Greek stronghold in Italy and was a long time goal of Robert’s. In 1075 Napoli was allied with the Republic of Ragusa across the Adriatic Sea. They where a minor concern and Robert declared war against both city states. Ragusa sent 4200 men to Italy and landing in Leece. Robert and his brother Roger met the Serbian and Greek army soon after their landing and easily defeated them killing all but 350 men. Robert then marched to Napoli and easily took the city from the Greeks. The city was given to a Norman nobleman named Robert Babone.
The new count of Napoli.
Soon afterward Robert’s father-in-law Gisulf the Count of Salerno pledged his loyalty to Robert. Gisulf’s wife was the well-known Agnes d’Aquitaine. When Agnes’ father died Gisulf’s son, Lealdo inherited a large portion of France.
Robert's father-in-law, d'Aquitaine lottery winner and Count of Salerno.
The First Crusade was called in 1078 by Alexander II to liberate Jerusalem. The restless Norman nobility gave 2500 men to Robert to use during the crusade. An expedition to the Holy Land was being planned when Robert died on October 25, 1078. Robert Guisard is buried in Venosa along with his father and son.
de Hauteville lands at Robert Guisard's death.
Part 1 1066-1078
The Duchy of Apuila 1066
The Duke of Apuila, Robert Guisard
Robert Guiscard de Hauteville
Born 1020
Died 1087
Count of Apulia 1057-1059
Duke of Apulia/Calabria 1059-1078
Duke of Sicily 1070-1078
Robert was married twice, his first wife was called Alberada and together they had one child Bohemond, who’s paternity was not definite. His second marriage was to a Lombard maiden called Sigelgaita together they had four children, Roger Borsa, Mauger who died as a child, Mathilde and Emma. Robert also sired an illegitimate son named William.
Robert's second wife, Sigelgaita of Salerno
Robert was successful in Sicily conquering the island in four years from 1066-1070
Siracusa 1067 – Given to his nephew Serlo II
The Duke's nephew, Serlo II
Agrigento 1068 – Made a bishopric
Trapani 1068 – Given to Roger di Simiano, Robert’s marshal
The Duke's former marshal, Roger di Simiano.
Palermo 1070 – Retained by Robert later given to his son Roger
In 1068 Robert gained Capua through a diplomatic move. The pope, Alexander II excommunicated the Count of Capua in preparation for an attack by the papacy. Robert offered to help the count and put him under his protection as a vassal of his nephew Abelard. The papal state smartly did not invade and a few years later Abelard revoked the count’s title and gave Capua to his own son.
The pope, Alexander II.
The Greek outpost of Napoli was the last Greek stronghold in Italy and was a long time goal of Robert’s. In 1075 Napoli was allied with the Republic of Ragusa across the Adriatic Sea. They where a minor concern and Robert declared war against both city states. Ragusa sent 4200 men to Italy and landing in Leece. Robert and his brother Roger met the Serbian and Greek army soon after their landing and easily defeated them killing all but 350 men. Robert then marched to Napoli and easily took the city from the Greeks. The city was given to a Norman nobleman named Robert Babone.
The new count of Napoli.
Soon afterward Robert’s father-in-law Gisulf the Count of Salerno pledged his loyalty to Robert. Gisulf’s wife was the well-known Agnes d’Aquitaine. When Agnes’ father died Gisulf’s son, Lealdo inherited a large portion of France.
Robert's father-in-law, d'Aquitaine lottery winner and Count of Salerno.
The First Crusade was called in 1078 by Alexander II to liberate Jerusalem. The restless Norman nobility gave 2500 men to Robert to use during the crusade. An expedition to the Holy Land was being planned when Robert died on October 25, 1078. Robert Guisard is buried in Venosa along with his father and son.
de Hauteville lands at Robert Guisard's death.
