Again with the Norman Invasion. Story of de Hautevilles.

[hjarg]

To the North​

More of Granada

In July 1223, Bohemond attacked Sheikhdom of Malaga. Single-province country, no allies, no nothing. Their meager levies were brushed aside by Normans, their fortresses fell in short order and by March 1224, the Sheikdom was no more.

Guess how it turned out?

This now meant that Bohemond could create the Duchy of Granada and give it to Bohemond the Younger. And therefore, giving him his fair share of his lands, cutting him out of the succession game. Duchy of Granada- ain't so bad of a price too.

When Bohemond came of age in 1125, he became a fine knight and a decent intriguer. He was married to Valdrade, a daughter of Griselda- meaning his wife was also his cousin. Just, the Hauteville breeding program had resulted in the fact that the best prospects actually were other Hautevilles.

Duke Bohemond and his wife

Royal Matters

In March 1124, Bohemond started construction of a church in Agrigento. Built deep inlands, to the center of the island. Less than a year later, in January 1125, he did the same in Siracusa. Meaning that every holding in the Island of Sicily was fully built.

Also in March, Niketas of Jilat died of injuries received during battle. His domain, Duchy of Amman (though without the actual Duchy title), was divided between his twin daughters. As for his wife, Princess Giselle of Sicily, the grieving widow was married to an Italian nobleman Ottavio di Medici. For Giselle was still young and beautiful and her loins could bear numerous young rulers.

Niketas died, leaving behind two countesses. And a grieving widow, remarried a few days later

In July 1124, Griselda was hit by another set of peasant rebels. Bohemond now gathered his troops in Granada, marched out and beat the enemy forces in Murcia. Much more convenient then shipping over indeed.

Much more convenient to beat Iberian rebels now

In August 1124, Bohemond instituted the Convergent blood legacy, making certain that somehow, the pretty Hautevilles will become prettier and the smart ones even smarter and the strong ones even stronger.

More blood!

Hamelin, the Norman very own wicked priest, a lustful man with a sadistic trait, died at the age of 71. A learned man, a renowned physician and well, a man of exquisite tastes, seeing he was found dead, naked, with a whip in hand and some young nubile girls screaming in horror. He was a good theologian though and Bohemond missed him. Oswulf, his replacement, was without the vices of Hamelin, but also, with some of his own and he was much less of a man than Hamelin.

Hamelin, a decadent to the very end. And Oswulf. Only with half the sin!

Just a month later, in May 1125, Clemens IV was caught with his pants down. If even the head of faith cannot keep the vows of celibacy... Catholic world was in shock, but the Pope just pulled his pants up and continued Poping. Good thing the Papacy was for life. Well, good for him, not so good for the morale of good christians. Bohemond just shrugged.

Clemens, the Holy Sinner

In February 1126, Abelarda, a daughter of Bohemond and husband of Duke Michael Agyros of Kairouan, was caught in a bed with a man that most definitely was not Duke Michael. And with a child that was definitely not fathered by Michael. The Duke, furious, threw Abelarda to prison, without even considering who her father happened to be. Three days later, she perished in jail, and Bohemond lost his first child. Just, the King could not bring himself to grieve properly, for the reasons for her death seemed justified. One of her own children, getting caught in adultery... Bohemond did his best to console Mernissa, but in his heart, he cursed his daughter for her choices. Abelarda left behind one legitimate daughter, Richenda, and a bastard son, Hubert FitzAbelarda. This will create some problems in the future, for Duke Michal is sure to remarry and certainly, the future heirs will be born to House Agyros.

The unfortunate fate of Abelarda

Some better news as well- in June of 1126, Gaurfid died in the dungeons of Bohemond. Poor former Duke, who had spent about 30 of his years, meaning more then half of his sorry life, in the dungeons of Bohemond, died at the age of 52. Bohemond felt relief. Sometimes, God gives, sometimes, God takes.

Some good news as well

In July 1126, Norman culture discovered the communal government. Meaning more developed cities. There were still arched saddles, chronicle writing and burhs left in the early Medieval age.

Doing quite ok there

In August 1126, Bohemond created the Duchy of Alger and granted it to Count Robert. With this, Robert was no longer a vassal of Duke Aranald of Kroumerie, but a powerful(ish) Duke in his own right and therefore, vassal of Bohemond himself. When granting the title, Bohemond also noticed that Robert was having some peasant rebellion issues and being a good liege, he stomped the peasants out as well.

New Duke

Pulcheria, the Countess of Napoli, had ruled for nearly 50 years. She had been a spymistress of Bohemond for the most of the time as well. With her, the Sparteonos main line became extinct though, as the new count, Bartholomeus, was from House Lantpertidi, the house of former Dukes of Salerno. As for his new spymaster, Bohemond chose Osbern of Tripolitania, a truly devious man.

End of Spartenos dynasty, re-emergence of Lantperdidis

Tancred was the next son of Bohemond to come of age. In August 1127, the Duke of Salerno became 16, and grew up to be an astute intellectual. And not such a good knight, though his strength was quite legendary. He was the third son of Bohemond and Mernissa. He married two years later, to Egelina Hauteville-Tunis, a fair maiden indeed. And also, another Hauteville.

Tancred of Salerno

Amir al-Umara Gerald, the Crusader King of the Grand Emirate of Aragon, created his own house in February 1129. Taking hints from his brother, Duke Arnald of Kroumerie, who named his own House Arnaldid, Gerald created House Geraldid. His motto was a curious one though: “Pleasure over Valor”. Not a very Norman thing...

House Geraldid!

To the North

To this date, the Normans had been expanding into Muslim lands, leaving the Christians to their own devices. After all, the Muslims were a much easier target, with the reason of war being just that they did not believe in Jesus Christ. Christians needed some extra work and justifications. But sometimes, it is worth it.

The city of Pisa, a jewel of the Mediterranean, was a tempting target indeed. And Bohemond had managed to get a claim on it some years ago, showing that it was really Normans who founded the city and therefore, he as the leader of Normans should be in control. Some minor details, like the history of Pisa pre-dating Rollo for a couple of thousand of years, were dismissed as irrelevant.

Therefore, in August 1127, Bohemond declared war on the Peasant King Cecco of Italy, who was allied to Denmark and at war with the Holy Roman Empire. Once, nothing but a peasant leader, taking up arms because life was unbearable, he now controlled most of Northern Italy, while the Holy Roman Empire controlled Central Italy and Normans the south.

War on Cecco

So, in September, Normans gathering in Napoli marched north, through the Papal lands, until they arrived in Pisa. In December 1127, the city fell. Then, the Normans moved north, taking Genoa and several other provinces, until they reached Milano, the capital of Cecco. No enemy in sight yet.

Marching North

It was finally in February 1129, after the fall of Milano, when first enemy troops started to show up. First battle in the war was fought when Bohemond cornered a small enemy army, less then 1000 soldiers, in Viegvano, and annihilated them.

First battle, almost 2 years after the war begun

The Normans marched back to south again, for the main enemy armies seemed to be gathering around Pisa- and the Norman supplies were running low, so Bohemond could use some extra refillment. Then, during his march, he caught the Danish King and ally of Cecco, Bjorn Haraldsen of the House Estrid. The Danish troops had just landed, the Danish King was slightly in debt and Bohemond was much greater general then Bjorn. Much-much greater. In short, Danish sailed from Denmark, braved the Atlantic, through the Bay of Biscay, then across the Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, only to be completely destroyed by the Normans in the Battle of Parma, happening in March 1129.

King Bjorn, sailing across the Europe only to be trashed by the Normans

In May 1129, Bohemond became a peacemaker. Incidentally, this also meant that the war for Pisa ended- for the Normans had almost achieved a total victory. So, without further ado, Bohemond used his newly-found powers to convince Cecco that hey, it is ok to give up.

Peacemaker, just in time

For the first time, Normans had a holding North of Latinum. The Grand City of Pisa was given to Agafay, a lowborn with no House to call his own, but with shrewd enough stewardship skills.

Agafay of Pisa

 

[hjarg]

Nothing much happening here. Offensive penalties are keeping me down a bit, so the expansion is a bit slower.
Still, first foray into Italy and conquest of Pisa and some personal tragedies and several sons growing up.

I love how the email came while I was watching a documentary on the Norman conquests in Italy. Perfect timing!

Heh, the timing is impeccable indeed!

The Crusader Queen having a bastard child is really funny to me.

Well, even the Crusader Queen has wordly desires. And apparently, so has the Pope

After having consecrated such a pious dynasty, it's only proper the Pope paid tithe to a dynasty which'd done so many pious feed

And not like the Pope has anything else to do with the money but to grant it to such a pious dynasty to further help the spreading of Christianity to Muslim lands.

“And Bohemond was such a nice man.”

I admit I laughed out loud at this. The irony here is positively hilarious.

Well done consecrating your bloodline. You’ve got il papa eating out of the palm of your hand.

Thanks!
And well, i'm not sure i'd want that kind of il papa eating out of my hand.

 

[Nikolai]

In due time, Normans will be known for their beautiful chin, as well as impeccable intellect, with the way this is going.

 

[stnylan]

The dynasty is coming along very nicely.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

Ah, I'm already being disappointed by the Italian king.

 

[hjarg]

Change of Management​

New Name, Old Enemies

Tadlis were Tadlids no more. The Grand Emirate had undergone yet another change of management. Amir al-Umara Thabitah, died of wounds caused by the Normans in 1123. His son, Yusuf II ibn Thabitah was not the grand man his father was. In addition, he also managed to contact leprosy. About a year and half after his rule, in summer of 1124, he was disposed by faction, led by Tahir ibn Massa of House Ali, who apparently thought that Grand Emirate of Ali sounds a bit weird and named the Kingdom Maghreb Grand Emirate.

The thing is- the powerbase of Tahir of Ali was not so great, just one county. We all know what will happen if the King is not the most powerful man in the realm. Yusuf ibn Thabitah had taken up the flag of rebellion, claiming the Maghreb throne not to himself, but to his younger brother, Yurerten ibn Tabitah, age 7. If it was because he did not want to rule himself no more, after being deposed on such a humiliating way, or did he just think of himself as unfit to rule because of his disease or was there a third, more devious reason for it? We just don’t know. What we do know that Maghreb, formerly known as Taldids, formerly known as Almoravids, was thrown into chaos and turmoil.

New Amir al-Umara, dethroned Amir al-Umara and a brief history of Nation Formerly known as Taldid, formerly known as Almoravid

Bohemond did not really care. Let them fight out. Just, one thing caught his attention. Duchess Mathilde of Corsica, who owns two-thirds of Corsica and two provinces in Sardinia, had used the fact that Maghreb was now weakened and started her own little war- trying to take Bejaia, a county surrounded by Norman territories that Bohemond had always been a bit too busy to take.

Mathilde of Corsica, waging war on Maghreb

Now, things were about to change, for Bohemond did not look kindly to other Europeans entering what he considered his domain- Africa. So, in May 1129, the good King declared war on Tahir of Ali of Maghreb.

Time for another war

The King gathered his troops and marched to Bejaia. The ally of Mathilda, Duke Enrico of Meissen and his troops and the ones of Mathilda were busily besieging the province- until the Normans arrived and scattered them and took over the siege.

Get out my my Africa!

In November, the fortress fell. Normans marched westwards, until they reached Yalala, where all the Maghreb soldiers were. All 2000 of them. The fall of Tadlids was really felt indeed. Normans, almost twice their size, with a much better army, brushed the enemy aside and won a glorious victory. Including one captured Emir Mali ibn al-Abbas, worth 100 gold.

Now, it is Muslim turn

In March 1130, Normans caught up with Corsican troops in Tlemcen. This time, Normans showed no mercy and the Corsican adventure to Africa ended in the desert outside the city, where the bones of the brave fools gleamed under the hot African sun. The Normans took the siege over, then took the city and managed to nab the son and heir of Emir Mali as well. Another 100 gold- the Norman invasion was starting to cost the poor Emir Mali a lot indeed.

Meanwhile, the ally of Corsica managed to run off to neighboring province of Tarfaoui-Sebdou. After taking Tlemcen, Normans marched there and made another example of why Africa is Norman territory and Norman alone.

Then, it is beating up the Christians time

Remember that little civil war Tahir of Ali had going on? Since the Normans were kind enough to depose all his troops in one battle, they left the poor Grand Emir in a kind of difficult situation. No armies, no supporters, no nothing. In August 1130, young Yugerten ibn Tabitah took over, Tahir was delegated back to being Wali of Tudga and the Normans faced a more unified opposition. Just, the forces of the unified opposition had been depleted in civil war and also, by Bohemond.

Yet another change of management

Normans spotted remnants of the enemy army in the south and marched to meet them. Not many of them, less then 1000. All that the mighty Maghreb Emirate could muster. Normans crushed them, took another Emir as a hostage and ended the war.

The final battle

In the end of February 1131, the county of Bejaia was safely in Norman hands. Bohemond had shown the rest of Europe what his opinion was of them trying to get into Africa and what fate would await those who try. And he also weakened the Muslim main power in the West. And gave Walther, a grieving son of Rainer, a Duchy of his own.

Walter, finally a Duke

Royal Matters

The best steward, Count Rainer of Satif, incidentally, the owner of the other county of Duchy of Bejaia, died in the most common way Normans and their matrilineal husbands departed from this world- wounds received during the battle. Married to Bohemond’s half-sister Rosalind, the poor count died right before becoming a Duke. His son, Walter, took over, but he was far from his father’s genius. Agafay, the new Mayor of Pisa, took over the tasks of the steward.

Rainer of Satif, meeting his unfortunate end just before he could become a Duke

In December 1129, Hautevilles became reputable. Well, better then obscurity, thought Bohemond, twice the crusader, liberator of Jerusalem, conqueror of North Africa and one of the most powerful men in Europe.

Well, at least there is some reputation to be had

In February 1130, Gerbert of Sicily, Duke of Sardinia, came of age. A good administrator and a truly learned man. Bohemond was proud of his son. Half a year later, he married. His bride was not Hauteville, but Irminburg, a swabian noble from the house Rostock, known for her beauty and gluttony.

Another son, grown up

In June 1130, Bohemond asked for another load of gold from the Pope. Nothing special. The Pope has been used to it. Bohemond had been used to it. Just the sum was perfect. Total 666 gold in exchange of 250 piety and slightly less friendly Pope. Quite a deal. Bohemond used that (and some extra money) to upgrade keeps in Agrigento and Jerusalem.

That is an interesting sum, dear Clemens

Meanwhile, Duke Martin of Jülich in Germany decided that no ordinary heresy will suit him. He wanted something special- so he converted to brand new faith, called Mandeanism. The dualistic nature of the faith, considering the world to be an eternal struggle between light and darkness, was indeed quite far off from the normal Christian beliefs, but to each their own, I guess.

When you think Christian heresy is not hardcore enough

In February 1131, Bohemond became a gallant knight, the envy of Europe. And with martial skill over 40, he became a truly unstoppable force in the battlefield.

A gallant knight, an absolute genius of a general

After the war, Bohemond went on a pilgrimage again. Since walking to Jerusalem seemed kind of silly- what pilgrimage would it be if you stepped out of your palace door, walked a few steps and then, done? Instead, Bohemond took to Canterbury, to see how the former Normans of the North are doing. Quite fine, it seemed, though with Queen Mautild, the Normandie line will apparently end and the Irish will take the throne of England. The only thing of interested happened on the road, when Bohemond beat up an adulterous, murderous vicious little dwarf called Duke Pierre II of Piedmonte.

Arbitrary, arrogant, adulterer, murderer and just plain stupid to piss off Bohemond.

Change of Management

“I am not first amongst the equals,” said Bohemond. “I am your King, anointed by God, meant to rule all over you. My authority is from Heaven, not from this world. My authority is absolute. Therefore, I decree that none of you shall do any private wars without my explicit permission. All of you contribute more to your King, be it in soldiers or in gold.”

It was October 1131, Bohemond had gathered all his vassals to Palermo, to discuss the affairs of the state, as he put it.

There was a lot of grumbling, but it was not very loud. For Bohemond might have claimed his authority from Heaven, but all knew full well that his authority was based on more earthly factors. Like 1500 man-at-arms at his command. Like 16 knights, best in Europe and fiercely loyal to the King. Like over 10 000 peasant levies at his command. And Bohemond’s uncanny ability to use these all in a way that he loses only a few, while the enemy usually loses them all.

Not to mention that Bohemond was also the richest man in the Kingdom of Sicily. His personal domain netted him about 22 gold per month alone, plus church taxes being another 7.6 and vassal contributions, well, a meager 7.1.

Anointed by God or not, the vassals of the Kingdom of Sicily understood full well that the retribution of the King would be divine indeed if they dared to try something. Recently departed former Double Duke Gaufrid was a prime example of what would happen if one would earn the ire of the King. So, they grumbled, only but only slightly and very-very quietly, so the King would not hear it.

I am the King, and my power is absolute

“Also, while Guy is my oldest son and therefore, my heir,” the King continued, “He will be old and tired when I finally pass from this world”

King was confident about his health and rightfully so. He was already 54 years old, but he was in perfect shape. Athletic, muscular, hardened by constant campaigns and without a single complaint about his health.

“Therefore, I have decided- when I die, my youngest son, Drogo, will be the new King of Sicily and it will be he who will inherit my main titles”

There was slightly more grumbling and slightly louder, but the same logic applies. If the King wills it, then there is nothing much the rest of the Normans can do. Apart from bowing before the King and saying “As you will, Sire!”

That’s what they did. They bowed before Bohemond and said “As you will, Sire!”

And then, they went and drunk themselves into oblivion at the King’s expense.

Bohemond smiled. Not only was he the most powerful ruler in Europe, he was also the ruler with most power. During his over 30 years of power, he had not only expanded, he had consolidated. Now, Sicily was the most organized Kingdom, with him squarely on top.

He gazed at the young Drogo. Already, strong as an ox, smart as a lightbulb, but despite that, surprisingly patient, knowing full well when to wait for his time and surprisingly humble. The future of the Hautevilles was in good hands.

Bohemond smiled at his youngest. The boy beamed back. “One day, it will all be yours,” the King said.

“May the day for this change in management be far off,” replied the boy.

Drogo, the future King of Sicily and Guy, the former future King of Sicily

 

[hjarg]

I'm pretty certain that the rule of Yugerten, the albino Emir, will not be long and successful. Though we shall see how this turns out.
As for the rest of Europe- they got their lesson in what happens what if they have some African delusions.

And the future of Sicily is in capable hands indeed. Let's see how this turns out.

In due time, Normans will be known for their beautiful chin, as well as impeccable intellect, with the way this is going.

You left out superhuman strength!

The dynasty is coming along very nicely.

Oh yes, Hauteville breeding program- works wonders.

Ah, I'm already being disappointed by the Italian king.

Nah, he is doing fine. After all, he managed to beat HRE on several occasions, claiming the lands of Italy as his own. Nothing to be ashamed of. Just, Normans were too powerful of an enemy.

 

[Nikolai]

Ultimogeniture, eh? Interesting.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

Guy may not be too happy with suddenly no longer being heir, but Drogo will make a better king.

 

[stnylan]

It seems a fair deal - go along with Bohemond's plans and he will provide you with enough grub to stuff yourself and enough drink to drown any resulting sorrows.

 

[hjarg]

Succession Crisis

In October 1132, Griselda was hit with another peasant rebellion. Though the Queen was well-equipped to deal with that now, she still asked her brother for assistance and Bohemond, like a good brother he is, always took a chance to see his beloved sister and kill some nasty peasants. Typical Norman Iberian vacation.

The final remnants of the independent conquests of the smaller Norman rulers were felt when Osbern of Tripolitania conquered the county of Murzuk in February 1133. Yes, Bohemond had forbidden private wars, but that did not mean you had to stop the war you were currently involved in, right? This applies to future wars only, right? Bohemond just shrugged and did not argue.

Osbern was successful and as a result, Bohemond inherited yet another Holy War, for Murzuk was popular in 1133. Emir Galadama Biri of Kawar was also waging war for that county and like hell he was going to give up just because the Normans took the province for themselves.

This is one very pointless war

So, Bohemond marched south. Deeper into the Sahara then the main army of Normans had ever gone before. With a small army, little less then 3000, for the supplies in the desert were a problem.

Down to Sahara we go

There, he took the castle of Dirku and this was enough for Galadama to see that Normans knocking on his door might not be an optimal thing. So, he begged for peace, paying Bohemond a whopping 9 gold in compensation.

Truly profitable, this war

That slight incident aside, Bohemond went to secure the lands around Jerusalem once again. This time, it was the County of Kerak, from Duchy of Oultrejordain and the change of ownership from Yosufid Emirate.

Seeing that Emir Bashar could muster 1200 soldiers while Bohemond could make 10 times as many, the result was without a question. The war started in January 1134 and ended in December.

Like taking a county from a half-grown boy

Then, Bohemond went for another county in Oultrejordain, Negev. Currently in the hands of Emir Khaireddin of the Hashimid Emirate. Owner of the Holy Sites of the Muslims, Mecca and Media and Khaireddin claims to be direct descendant from the Prophet himself, through her daughter Fatimah. Powerful in divine ways, not so powerful in terms of manpower.

Bit less Vastly Inferior this time

The Normans besieged Negev and won the siege. Then, news arrived that the enemy was approaching Cairo- and Bohemond marched out to meet them in battle. The enemy actually had a superiority in numbers, for Bohemond did put only a fraction of his soldiers under arms. It was 4500 versus 5500. Khaireddin himself led his troops, confident on victory. Until the Norman knights hit his left flank, threw it into chaos and proceeded to stamp the center.

Bohemond truly is a god on the battlefield

Normans killed over 2000 enemies, while losing 280 themselves. Business as usual. Unfortunately, amongst the dead was Duke Roger II of Calabria, who had become almost as good of a soldier as his father was. His son, Arnald II, took over. Arnald II was also a warning of what could happen if the Hautevilles kept marrying Hautevilles.

Roger II, lost in battle and Arnald II, the Inbred Duke

As for the battle of Cairo- Normans got the main prize. Emir Khaireddin himself. Meaning, the war for Negev was also over. Oultrejordain, along with the mystical city of Petra, was now in Norman hands. To be more specific- in the hands of a 10-year old boy, son of Princess Adelin, daughter of Bohemond and early departed Prince Humphrey, son of Griselda. At least, the boy was brilliant. Just- when you start handing out land to your grandchildren, you know you are old. Bohemond just sighed as Oswyn took over.

First landed grandchild

Royal Matters

Bohemond conquered the lands of Cyrenaica in 1100, 32 years ago and granted them to Torgils, married to the aunt Fredesende of Bohemond, daughter of Robert Guiscard and Sichelgaita. In 1114, Duke Roger of Tunis took the county of Awilja as well, while the final province, Tobruk, was safely in Byzantine hands. Now, finally, 32 years later, Bohemond made Torgils Duke of Cyrenaica. Torgils was most pleased.

Duke, 30 years or so late. And soon to be dead- but at least, he died as a Duke

Duke Alfons of Alexandria created House Hauteville-Siwa in November 1132. “By Conquest and Safety” was their motto and he also added some nice lions with wings to the family coat of arms. For lions are always a safe bet

These two things in the motto seem kind of contradictory

Meanwhile, Amir al-Umira Gerald of Grand Emirate Aragon was not as successful. No alliance with Bohemond meant that sooner or later, some peasant leader would reach his goal. There was one indeed- now calling himself Duke Mateu of Barcelona, who broke off the realm with the strongest Duchy. Griselda was there to take advantage of the situation and as a result, Valencia became the biggest Kingdom in the peninsula. One’s loss is another woman’s gain.

Barcelona lost to peasant revolts and then to Valencia. Things are not looking well for Gerald Geraldid

In May 1135, it was Count Guy of Labda who created his own branch- Hauteville-Awilja. Son of Prince Guy of Sicily, he inherited a single county and conquered Awilja in the Cyrenaica region- and decided to name his house after that. “By Hope and Right” is his House motto.

We hope that we are right!

In June 1135, Bohemond’s fascination with the guilds paid off. Normans had made their first progress in the High Medieval tree, allowing Bohemond to control a total of 9 counties now.

These utterly fascinating guilds...

In the end of July, Drogo de Hauteville came of age. 16 years old, already more than a competent strategist, good fighter and well-versed in financial matters. The succession was secure. He was married to Yefemia, from far away Russia. Also known for her skills in wealth management, she was mostly known for her out-of-this world beauty. The potential of the children of these two...

Drogo and Yefimia

Succession Crisis!

Prince Guy of Sicily was married to Ibolya Szentgöryi. It was a popular pastime in the courts of Palermo to challenge unsuspecting people to get her name right. Until in 1126, she went and inherited County of Saros, deep in the lands of Hungary. So, she went to rule there and took Guy with him, as his good husband, to serve as the count. Even worse, she converted to Mandean faith, as did most of the Kingdom of Hungary,

Prince Guy, Count of Saros and vassal of King of Hungary

This left Bohemond in a bit of bind. For Guy was in line to inherit some of his lands, namely Jerusalem, Cairo and Messina and Siracusa from Sicily. Something Bohemond was desperate to avoid. Then again, his options were limited. Disinheriting Guy was out of the question, for he was now out of the realm. Nor was he willing to come back. Nor was Bohemond able to grant some titles to him.

It was time for emergency Duchy! Fortunately, Bohemond had a few left. In December 1334, he created Duchy of Amman. Conquered in 1119, but kept as a county, for mostly financial reasons. Now, in 1134, Bohemond became the Duke of Amman and instead of giving the title to one of the sisters holding the counties there, kept the title to himself. Automatically guaranteeing that Guy will become the next Duke, most likely will take over a county there and be the Duke and just the Duke. Succession crisis resolved!

Emergency Duchy to the rescue

 

[hjarg]

Small wars, small gains. Nothing much happening.

Apart from succession that is. But there is a reason i have not created Duchy of Jerusalem or Cairo- and there is a reason why i'm keeping some of the Duchies without a title. Now, the game thinks that hey, primogeniture, sure. Let us give Guy the second Duchy and well, we are done!
Kind of feels like cheating the system, but I really do not want to cede Jerusalem and Cairo to Guy. This would really weaken the next King.

And also, Paradox- my primary son and heir leaving my court? Worth a notification, perhaps?
Seeing that I just noticed this after I tried to give Guy the county of Kerak and then saw that hell, boy, where in the name of nine hells are you?

Ultimogeniture, eh? Interesting.

Only because even with the right to choose a heir, I cannot skip a generation
Else, some grandchild would get it- some of them have very good traits already.

But I like my Kings to rule for a long-long time and this will be guaranteed to happen when the future King is still young, not in his 30-ies of 40-ies. Long rule means more accumulated prestige and piety and more fun things to do with it. And well, less succession hassle makes the Kingdom stronger as well.

Guy may not be too happy with suddenly no longer being heir, but Drogo will make a better king.

Well, he did leave the court beforehand, so I just presumed he did not want the title

It seems a fair deal - go along with Bohemond's plans and he will provide you with enough grub to stuff yourself and enough drink to drown any resulting sorrows.

Might as well make the best of the situation, right?

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

So many cadet branches, I swear one pops up every year.

 

[stnylan]

Now there are some better epitaths for Norman Houses.

Though with Arnauld II I suppose we see evidence one can have too much of a good thing.

 

[Nikolai]

It's good you understand how to cheat the system, my head just spins.

 

[hjarg]

The Grand Mosque​

Ioustinos

There was another kind of trouble in Kairouan. Duke Michal Agyros, former husband of Alberada of Sicily, daughter of Bohemond, caught Alberada in a bed with another man. And threw her to the dungeons, where she died a few days after. Alberada and Michal had just one child, a daughter called Richenda. That would have been totally ok, but Michal went and remarried to Mautild of Conversano. Who bore him a son called Ioustinos. Meaning that the next heir of Duchy of Kairouan is from house Agyros, not Hauteville. Seeing that Michal went and got himself badly injured as well and will be soon out of this world, this problem became more imminent.

This does not look so well. Duke well on his deathbed and his heir not Hauteville

Bohemond knew full well what the solution was. He did not like it though. Not at all. Thus far, the King had avoided the cloak and dagger kind of politics, preferring an open battle to schemes in the dark. With an exception of murder of Duchess Melisende in 1105, for the same reasons- to keep Duchy of Apulia in Hauteville hands. Now though, he had to order the murder of a child. Sometimes, being a King and head of a Dynasty means doing things you really are not thrilled about though. So, with a heavy heart, King called Osbern of Tripolitania. Instead of giving hints that it would be a shame if something happened to young Ioustinos, he just bluntly said: “Osbern, I need this child dead. See it done.” Osbern just nodded. For that day, King did not see anyone else.

Osbern went and bribed his colleague in the Kairouan, a woman called Asanet. Some gold goes a long way in reducing the loyalty of one’s spymaster. Fortunately for Bohemond, it is much more expensive to bribe a Duke then a commoner, so he was a bit more safe.

One spymistress for 52 gold, please

In June of 1137, the body of Ioustinos was found in a small oasis near Kairouan. Apparently, the young lad had gotten separated from his retinue, found a way to oasis and then was killed by a lion. Upon hearing the news, Bohemond felt like the worst human being ever. He drank himself to stupor that night, but the picture in his head, young, innocent lad, being torn apart by the wild beast was something that haunted him to the end of his life.

The sad end of young life

The ploy worked though. Michal died in early 1138 and Richenda took over as the new duchess of Kairouan. Good steward, beautiful, intelligent and Hauteville to the core. She will do well.

The new Duchess, a few years later

Royal Matters

In August 1135, Basileus Michael of the Byzantine Empire sent a letter to Bohemond. Unexpected, for sure. Basileus claimed that Serlo of Cyrenaica had invited Basileus himself to join the plot against Bohemond. Serlo, a Duke for a few years, after his father Torgils died. Identifying himself as Danish Duke ruling over the North Africans. Well, to all their own. That did put Bohemond in a bind though. Of course, he worried about plots. But the Byzantine-Norman relations have been strenuous in the past and Bohemond did not trust Michael to have pure intentions at heart. After all, it would benefit Basileus when the Normans would succumb to internal struggles. On the other hand, if Basileus meant what he said and Serlo was indeed conspiring... then Bohemond doubted the young Duke would actually manage to do anything at all.

This is highly suspicious

In the end, Bohemond chose to ignore Basileus. It sounded more like a Byzantine plot to sow distrust between the Normans then anything concrete. After all, even Griselda agreed that this is dubious. The rumors had already started though- there was someone plotting something against Bohemond.

This, even more

Bohemond ignored the rumors, though added some muscular, mean-looking gentlemen to his personal bodyguard to give the potential conspirators something to think about. Instead, he went to yet another Iberian vacation as Griselda was yet again having trouble with the peasants.

In May 1136, Bohemond created Duchy of Syrte and handed it to Count Guy of Labda, son of Uncle Guy. Meaning that Guy got only one province of the Duchy, and one province in Cyrenaica, while Tunis has control of one and Tripolitania has control of one. Most splintered Duchy ever.

Guy, no longer a vassal of his own brother, but a Duke. And the situation around Syrte

Meanwhile, Anfoi of Gabes went and created his own House, called Hauteville-Slakta. Seeing that he was a man who preferred non-conventional weapons, he took a motto of “Fortune Through the Hammer”, and anyone seeing him fielding one in the battlefield could agree that there is a lot of fortune to be made with this kind of hammer indeed. Oh, you did not think of the building hammer, eh? Not the Norman way!

Anfoi, who loves to wield hammer to battles

In August 1137, Bohemond went to Pope again, for the regular Norman refund. This time, the Pope gave him 750 gold. As much as one could get. The lustful Pope, shame of the Christianity, still had twice as much left. The morale of the story- the Pope has too much money.

Maximum Papacy!

In March 1138, Bohemond created Duchy of Pisa. He gave the title to Major Agafey of Pisa, making him the only non-Hauteville Duke in the whole realm. Well, a merchant-duke. Grand Mayor, as he was called.

First non-Hauteville Duke. Well, Grand Mayor. Merchant Duke.

In January 1140, Bohemond arranged the marriage of Hermine de Hauteville. It was the first grandchild of Bohemond, daughter of Mikulaš and Muriella. Hermine remained in Palermo, while Mikulaš went adventuring, got a county, lost a county and then converted into Mandeanism. Not the most successful of marriages, but Hermine turned out just fine. Just, marrying your grandchildren makes you feel old. Rightfully so. Bohemond was already 63 years old.

The Grand Mosque

Meanwhile, Maghreb Grand Emirate had retained its name, but underwent another change in management. Yugerten the Pale was ousted before he became 16 and Tadlids were out of power again. Instead, the old management returned. Ilyas of the Almoravids, whose father Ibrahim was the Amir al-Umara of Almoravids from 1057-1085 and whose brother, Abu-Bakr inherited the realm and was ousted in 1095 by Yusyf I of Taldids. Now, in 1131, more than three decades later, Ilyas ousted Yugerten and restored his family glory.

Re-establishment of Almoravids. Second son of Ibrahim restored the throne, while the first lost it

Bohemond did not care much. What he cared about was that Almoravids now held the Duchy of Cordoba and the city of Cordoba. Heart of the former Umayyad Sultanate. Something he desired. There was a little bonus, sure- the constant struggle for power had left the enemy weak. And of course, the enemy was also involved in a civil war, and a few other wars, so even better. In August 1137, Bohemond declared war on the Ilyas of Almoravids and started the war.

Let the conquest begin!

Sure enough, someone had already managed to take some of the target lands. Now, Bohemond most likely found the guilty party in October- Emir Yaghmurasen of Yaghmurasen Emirate. Bohemond made sure that he will not be bothering him any more. Or so he thought at least.

Against the Yaghmurasen Emirate.

Then, nothing much happened. Bohemond kept taking over the counties while there was not a soul in sight. Until in January 1139, Bohemond stopped an enemy army in the nearby province. Meanwhile, Yaghmurasen had won his little war of independence, but was still at war against Emir Tifan of the Ghomora Emirate, vassal of Ilyas, controlling Tangiers and Ceuta, over the county of Cadiz. Result- Yaghmurasen and Bohemond kicked Tifan back to Africa.

With the Yaghmurasen Emirate.

In May 1139, Bohemond decided that he was not on friendly terms with Yaghmurasen after all. Something to do with the fact of finding the Emir marching around what Bohemond already considered his lands. So, he wiped the forces of Yaghmurasen Emirate.

Against the Yaghmurasen Emirate.

Then, it was sieges again. This time, interrupted by the united force of Ghomara and Maghreb, as they attempted to cross and attack. Did not work out too well for them. Unfortunately, Ghomara arrived first and this battle was counted as being not really important towards the warscore.

Of course, Ghomara had to arrive first.

In January 1140, Algeciras fell. With it, Bohemond had finally proven that he is the victor. Ilyas, having given freedom to Yaghmurasen just a while ago, now faces his second defeat as he handed the ancient capital of the Umayyads and the surrounding lands.

Finally, a victory.

Two other counties, Jaen and Calatrava, Bohemond handed to his son and heir, Drogo. Let him try out some of the finer points of ruling the country. Incidentally, young Drogo had really taken up the way of the sword. Though he is just 20, his skill with arms is already legendary. There are few who can match him in the field of battle.

Drogo, the finest knight in Europe, getting some lands

As for the Cordoba, Bohemond kept to himself. Including the Grand Mosque of Cordoba. A Christian church, one half-church and half-mosque, then just mosque and now, Bohemond made it again to be half-church. A marvel of Islamic architecture, heart of Cordoba. Not only that. Cordoba was one of the most-developed counties in Iberia and though recent wars had ravaged the lands, the prosperity still remained.

Though not in the best state currently, Cordoba is a marvel of a city

Bohemond smiled. Cordoba, yet another jewel of his crown. Along with Jerusalem, Cairo and well, to some extent, Palermo. Though the capital of the Normans pales in comparison of these three.

 

[hjarg]

Bohemond the child-killer. Always leaves a bad taste to my mouth. But sometimes, the dynasty comes first.

And it is actually annoying if you fight an enemy who is also fighting in several other fronts. Because then you will most likely get no warscore from battles and have to siege your way out. This is one of the longest wars because of that.

So many cadet branches, I swear one pops up every year.

All thanks to my policy of "every title goes to Hauteville". Now, every Hauteville wants a house of their own. 13 and counting at the moment

Now there are some better epitaths for Norman Houses.

Though with Arnauld II I suppose we see evidence one can have too much of a good thing.

Running out of inspiration to make good ones, I think
And yes, too much Hauteville can inbred you. (sing along the tune of too much love will kill you)

It's good you understand how to cheat the system, my head just spins.

Hey, i resent that!
I operate will within limits that Paradox put in place. Well, there might be some unintended use of the features, but it is not my fault for the devs not foreseeing every possible crooked way.

Anyway, it is either this of the next King of Sicily owns just Palermo and things will start getting downhill from there. Really fast.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

An unfortunate necessity to make sure land stays in proper hands.

 

[Nikolai]

No war for kingdom, for the same reason I suspect? Although more independent Hauteville kings are not that bad.

 

[stnylan]

Normans are never usually shy about spilling claret. I am sure Bohemond will get over it.