Again with the Norman Invasion. Story of de Hautevilles.

[stnylan]

I do believe those bandits picked on the wrong person to ambush.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

Mernissa is certainly an unconventional choice, but she'll be fun to write about once she's queen. Not to mention the obvious hopes for her talents to pass on to her children, making the Hautevilles all the better.

Romanos meanwhile better be the most grateful son-in-law in the entire Byzantine Empire.

 

[hjarg]

Woes of Robert Guiscard​

In November 1088, Robert Guiscard declared war on Marianu, a 3-year old boy. He was also Count of Logudoro, a province in Corsica. The war lasted until February 1089. After the castle was taken, Count captured and ransomed back, Robert took the second county in Corsica. He gave it to Bohemond the Older.

Like taking a county from a baby

At the same time, Munis ibn Yahya of Kairouan had completed his conquest of Sfax from the Zirids. With it, the Emir had full control over Duchy of Gabes. This might have been a cause of celebration on other occasion, but not when you have Normans as neighbors. Robert Guiscard saw this as an opportunity to take the entire duchy with just one war. Declared in February 1089.

Congratulations on your conquest of Sfax! Mind if we take it?

In March, reports came in. As predicted, Kairouan forces marched to Zirid Empire’s capital, Mahdiya. Despite the fact that the nations had recently been at war, the Zirids were kind enough to let Munis ibn Yahya use their ports. Or perhaps they just had no choice. Doesn’t matter- the result was the same. The enemy boarded their ships and set sail towards Sicily. As predicted. Robert smiled as he hear the news.

Robert Guiscard gathered his army to meet the enemy and on 4th of June, the enemy forces met in Mazara. The enemy commander, a mercenary named Afulay, was more than competent. The forces were about even, but the Muslim camel riders were a truly a pain. Still, Robert Guiscard was better, the Normans were better and the advantage of catching the enemies still in progress of disembarking was of great help.

It would have been a clear victory, but the war is always unpredictable. Robert and his entourage got caught in the middle of the battle. Surrounded by the enemy camel riders, outnumbered. Robert’s horse was taken down and the King himself fell on the ground. Robert raised his sword, preparing for a final stand. The enemy already drew first blood, managing to hit Robert in his arm. King and his followers stood back-to-back, covering each other, while the enemy, outnumbering them, drew closer and closer. Things were looking really bad.

Then, a sole horseman rode in. Full gallop, lance expertly pointed at the enemy, he rode bravely where the Muslims were the thickest. He skewered a few with the lance, then jumped off from the horse, took his sword and without hesitation, landed to the thick of it. Cutting enemies right and left, giving the enemy a pause. He went on for a full minute, leaving corpses on his wake. Then, an enemy managed to hit his calf from behind and the man fell.

Sometimes, the minute is all you need. It was enough for Norman reinforcements to arrive, pushing the enemy back, saving the King. First thing Robert did was rush to the horseman who saved him. He was still breathing. Barely. He had several wounds. One of his legs had been almost cut off below the calf. He was Bohemond.

Oblivious to the battle, the King kneeled behind his son and cried. “You fool! You brave fool!” he said. Bohemond opened his eyes, smiled and replied: “It was glorious, father!”. Then, he passed out. Robert, in his range, drew his sword again. Chanting “After me,” he charged the enemy lines, not even bothering to check if there was someone after him. He fought like an elderly demon, bringing fear to the enemy, slaying them by dozens. An enraged Norman, going berserk like his great-great-grandfathers of the North. It was he that made the enemy turn tail and run.

Poor Bohemond

Thus ended the battle of Mazara.

Overall, a great victory

The war still raged on, not caring for the wounds of Bohemond. As the armies of Kairouan pulled back, reports came from Tunis that the enemy’s allies had reached Tunis and were preparing to embark. Likely destination- Sicily again. Robert had to turn his attention to war, while Bohemond was left in the capable care of Bishop Abelard. The Bishop also treated the King’s wound.

One goes out, the others come in

The enemy landed in Palermo by the end of August. Little over 3000 in numbers, they landed, confident in their superiority. Instead, they marched right into the Norman trap. Robert Guiscard managed to position himself between the enemy and their ships, cutting off their means of escape. The enemy, demoralized, suddenly facing a superior foe, broke ranks fairly soon. What had been an army turned into a mess of men, each trying to survive. Few did.

One battle, two allies

The celebrations of the battle of Palermo were still ongoing. Then, festivities turned into a tragedy. News arrived from Constantine- Robert Guiscards daughter, Mabel, had died at childbirth. Just at the age of 26. While giving birth to her fifth child. One daughter, four sons. Poor Mabel had been busy. Her husband, Tomasz, Count of Constantine, grieved.

So did Robert Guiscard and Siechelgaita. Mabel was their precious princess and the loss of a daughter is something no-one should experience. King and Queen left the court behind and spent an evening, reminiscing the life of their beloved daughter. From childhood to adulthood. Both of the parents were deep in tears, but they did find a little solace from each other.

Mabel, dead at childbirth

At the same time, Bohemond struggled. He was strong and resilient, but his wounds were plentiful and deep. Abelard did his best and without his help and the strength of Bohemond, it would have happened sooner. In the beginning of September 1089, Bohemond finally felt like it was his time. He said good-bye to his son, Bohemond the Younger, summoned from Corsica, along with her wife, Ansegundis and three of her daughters- Griselda, Rosalind and Albelarda. He told them all how sorry he was that he will not be there to see them grow up. He wished his wife the best. He told Bohemond the Younger that now, it is upon his shoulders to see that the glory of the dynasty will not fade away. And he made peace with Sichelgaita, his step-mother. Then, he received absolution and prayed with everyone. By morning, he was dead. He lived like a true knight, he fought like a true knight and he died like a true knight.

Bohemond, died to his wounds

Now, Bohemond the Younger took over- as the primary heir of Robert Guiscard and also, as the count of Logudoro. He was just 12 years old when he lost his beloved father. He also was a brilliant boy.

Bohemond is dead. Long live Bohemond!

Robert was not there, for he was leading an army. The war waits for no-one, not even a mourning King. The Kairouan forces had not retreated towards Africa, but instead, had landed in Salerno and put the city under siege. Bohemond caught up with them in Capua in November 1089, then pushed the enemy back, towards Central Italy. Muslims running, Robert hot on their heels. In February 1090, he caught up with them in Montalcino, in Tuscan territory. Seeing that Matilda was at the same time fighting with the Pope over Orbetello, Tuscany was getting quite crowded. Bohemond won again, and then followed the enemy once again, until finally catching up with them in Terracina, in Papal lands. After this, the Kairouan army was no more.

It took three battles to end the Kairouan army

Robert gathered his army and sailed to Sfax. Arriving in July 1090, he put the city under siege.

In the meantime, Count Serlo of Medjerda created his own branch of the Hautevilles- now called Hauteville-Aribus. This was the second house within the Hauteville family. He was also granted the title of Marshal of the Realm after Bohemond's demise.

Then, another news hit the poor King. In August 1090, his daughter Matilda, wife of Doux Romanos of Epirus, had died of consumption at the age of 31. Robert grieved once again. He had fought three wars for her beloved daughter, but God had other plans, making it all in vain. Three children within a year. This was more than many men can handle. Robert secluded himself in his tent for days, praying for the souls of all his children.

Matilda, died of consumption

In September, Sfax fell. Robert marched south to Gabes, missing a Kairouan force trying to board the ship by mere days. The enemy landed in Sfax. Robert marched north again and killed off the enemy. Then, it was south to Gabes again.

Not the smartest more

Meanwhile, Kairouan had managed to raise another army. As Robert besieged Gabes, they took on the fortress of Sfax again. Robert, confident that he will finish the siege before the enemy does, did not move. His confidence was misplaced. In March 1091, when Gabes had 13 days to fall, Sfax fell. Once again, the enemy started boarding the ships. Gabes fell in April and the King rushed north. Alas, it was too late. The enemy managed to hit the boats again and sailed off towards Sicily, Robert just getting their rear guard.

The timing sucks!

Again, Robert started the siege of Sfax. When the city fell in July 1091, then the war was over. Munis was forced to give up his access to the sea and all his lands in Gabes. Once again, the Normans were successful. But at what cost?

Once again, peacemaker made things a bit easier

Meanwhile, Gaitelgrima, another daughter of Robert Guiscard, had came of age and was married to Svetozar. A vengeful coward, sure, but an intelligent man, competent in financial matters. Robert gave the newly conquered titles to his son-in-law. At least something good came of this.

Gaitelgrima and the groveling Count

Also during the war, Count Jaronhev of Jafara and Tripolitania, Robert’s other son-in-law and husband to Princess Eria (the murderer of Robert’s daughter-in-law, Eudokia), had died to the wounds he received in battle of Palermo. Fortunately, he died after he managed to impregnate Eria several times. First fresh Hautevilles now ruled the counties of Jafara and Tripolitania. First, Osbern, just 3 years old; the second county was given to just freshly born Robert.

Another tragedy, albeit a smaller one

The war with Kairouan made Robert Guiscard a broken man. Loss of his beloved children, especially his heir, Bohemond, left him with no energy and plenty of apathy. He did not go to war. He did not build anything. He just went through his daily motions. He even lost his cynical side a bit and started getting closer to God- mostly because he hoped to meet his children soon. Up there. By the time the war ended, he was already 76 years old, after all.

After the celebrations of the New Year in 1093, the King felt the burden of his age like he had never felt before. Like a true Christian ruler, he gathered his family and friends. He said good-bye to his sons and daughters. He gave Bohemond the Younger his blessings. He kissed Sichelgaita for the last time. Then, he received his last rites, he prayed with Abelard, confessed his plentiful sins and received plentiful absolution. After that, he removed his fancy clothes, donnes his simple pilgrims grown and fasted and prayed. The fast, weakening his already weak body, did not help much. On 7th of January, King Robert Guiscard drew his final breath.

The end of Robert Guiscard

Long Live King Bohemond!

 

[hjarg]

The last years of Robert Guiscard were anything but kind. No parent should see his children die, but three within a year? Plus one son-in-law?
No wonder the poor King could not handle it.

Sad end of a successful man.

And, by gods, Matilda! Three wars to keep you in power and make you a Duchess, and then you just go off and get consumption!

And in case anyone is wondering about the ruled for 2 years, i'm switching characters occasionally- because the game does not choose matrilineal marriages enough, so i'm ensuring that potential heiresses and female rulers get hitched as Hautevilles.

I'm going to miss this guy when he's gone.

Hmmm, can I just say that now, you jinxed it?

I do believe those bandits picked on the wrong person to ambush.

At least the consequences were quick and painful.

Mernissa is certainly an unconventional choice, but she'll be fun to write about once she's queen. Not to mention the obvious hopes for her talents to pass on to her children, making the Hautevilles all the better.

Romanos meanwhile better be the most grateful son-in-law in the entire Byzantine Empire.

Yes, it's not like i'm trying to breed Kwizatz Haderach here or something
And who else would be a fitting Queen of the Normans then a muslim girl, born out of wedlock!

And as for Romanos, it seems like he is off the hook

 

[stnylan]

Three children in so short a space of time - he was old yes, a bit battered and bruised, but hard not to come to the conclusion that it was this that gave the reaper's scythe its impetus as it swung.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

A sad end to his reign. At least his kingdom has never been stronger. Now we see if regency manages to muck things up before you're properly in charge.

 

[Cora Giantkiller]

Hmmm, can I just say that now, you jinxed it?

I did? That's awesome. I wonder what other Normans I could kill with my secret mind powers.

 

[KingJerkera]

Oof hard losses but the new generation has potential and merit on it's side. Hopefully the curse of generations will not inflict itself upon the Hautvilles.

 

[hjarg]

Robert Guiscard de Hauteville​

Sometimes, a right man is born just at the right time and happens to be just at a right place. Robert Guiscard, an adventurer from the North, is a perfect example of that man.

The timing was just right. The Caliphate had fallen. Muslim world, united just a while ago, had been splintered into smaller, warring Emirates. Some, smaller. Some, bigger and stronger. None with the might of Abbasids. Something a man with ambition could use to his advantage.

The Byzantine Empire was also on decline. The Roman Empire was not the Empire it was during Justinanus no more. Nor was it the same as it was during Basileus II, killer of the Bulgars. More threatened by Seljuks of the east and weakened by enemies attacking from all the sides, the matters of Italy were second-hand to the Greek Romans or Roman Greeks.

This allowed the Lombard lords of Southern Italy to start fighting for their independence from the Byzantines. Incidentally, creating a need for fierce fighters- the Normans.

It was in 1047 when Robert de Hauteville arrived in Mezzogiorno, with a few soldiers in tow. A soldier of fortune, a mercenary. A man without land and prospects- but more than eager to get some! By that time, the Normans were no mere mercenaries no more. This brother, Drogo, controlled County of Apulia. Just a County though. By the time Robert came to power after the death of his brother Humphrey in 1056, Normans controlled much more. By 1066, they controlled almost the entire southern Italy and one province in Sicily. But Norman appetite was far from satisfied.

Robert Guiscard took the Island of Sicily in two quick wars. In the between, he defended himself against the Duchess Matilda of Tuscany, and ensured that she would get no pie of the Norman lands. Also, he grabbed Salerno from his brother-in-law, who found Lollardy and then found himself without any lands after Robert did some old-fashioned purging. Meanwhile, Robert’s brother, Roger, took Malta.

In 1072, Robert was no mere Duke no more. He was crowned as a King of Sicily, raising a poor Norman upstart adventurer into heights he could not dream of when he arrived. The number of Kings in Europe was not that great, and Robert Guiscard was among the selected few. He celebrated by force vassalization of Naples. Swear loyalty or become a corpse is always a good argument. This was the time when Robert moved the Norman capital from Trani in Apulia to Palermo in Sicily as well.

It was then that Robert Guiscard was forced to turn his gaze away from Italy. For the Mezzogiorno was almost completely controlled by the Normans. Rest of Italy was under control of the Holy Roman Empire and the expansion to that direction would have been slow and bothersome. No, Robert had much juicier targets. First was just across the Balkans. County of Pomorje, part of Duchy of Duklja, whose Duke had conveniently embraced Lollardly, was just lolling about until Robert took his lands.
Then, it was time for Africa. Just across Sicily were small Muslim Emirates. Splintered, warring, weak. Nothing compared to Normans, nothing compared to the military genius of Robert Guiscard. First was Tunis. Part of the Emirate of Kairouan. Robert Guiscard fought then in a war from 1075-1076 and the success of the Norman troops got the King his first lands in Africa. For the first time in centuries, the tables had been turned. No longer did Europe have Muslims from Africa invading and looting Europe. Instead, they got Normans moving to Africa.

In the following years, Robert Guiscard continued his expansion to Africa. Taking Constantine in the west, Jafara and Tripolitania in the East. He also attacked the Zirids of Africa, located just nearby, but instead of their local holdings, he took a province in the Island of Sardinia that Zirids had recently conquered. His final war was against Kairouan again, taking Duchy of Gabes.

He also had a very small war in Sardinia, taking the county of Logudoro.

In addition, Robert Guiscard fought three wars in the Byzantine Empire. Count Romanos, married to his daughter Matilda, was having trouble with his brother, Nikolaos, Doux of Epirus, who constantly tried to take the lands from Romanos. Thanks to the intervention of Robert Guiscard, Romanos ended up as a Doux of Epirus. Only to lose Matilda to consumption a few years later.

Robert Guiscard had two wives. With them, he sired 10 children. 3 boys and 7 girls. Three of them, Robert lost during the last years of his rule. Mabel, Countess of Constantine, died at childbirth. Matilda, Duchess of Epirus, died from consumption. And finally, his beloved son and heir, Bohemond, died from wounds he got in the Battle of Mazara.

Almost half a century after Robert Guiscard first arrived in Mezzogiorno, in 1093, he died as a King of Sicily, controlling all of Mezzogiorno apart from Capua and Benevento. In addition, one province in the Balkans, two in Sardinia and 9 in North Africa. Final realm size- 28.

His grandson, Bohemond, son of Bohemond, succeeded him as the new King.

The world in 1093

 

[hjarg]

Final good-bye to Robert Guiscard. He was fun to play with, and some of his wars were actually challenging. I'm looking at you, Matilda of Tuscany!
But overall, things went even better then I planned.

Three children in so short a space of time - he was old yes, a bit battered and bruised, but hard not to come to the conclusion that it was this that gave the reaper's scythe its impetus as it swung.

Yes, I imagine it did not do wonders to his health. The stress alone gained from this...

A sad end to his reign. At least his kingdom has never been stronger. Now we see if regency manages to muck things up before you're properly in charge.

Unfortunately, no regency in CK3. Dunno why they left it out.
On any occasion, Bohemond is 15. And if you are thinking that this will be a regency lasting a year, then you're sadly mistaken

I did? That's awesome. I wonder what other Normans I could kill with my secret mind powers.

Hmm, i'm sure I could use this- there are occasions where King should quietly kick the bucket to let his beloved son and heir take over!

Oof hard losses but the new generation has potential and merit on it's side. Hopefully the curse of generations will not inflict itself upon the Hautvilles.

Seeing at this game really rewards breeding, then hmm... i think the result will be quite the opposite

 

[stnylan]

One of the most significant people of the latter half of the 11th century. All his successors will struggle to stand out from his shadow.

 

[Nikolai]

That is quite a life. And quite the bitter end. May his legacy go to the stars!

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

If he thinks the Romans are on the decline..
He may be in for a big surprise.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

If all your rulers are as good as him, you'll rule the known world in no time.

 

[hjarg]

Coming to Power​

Bohemond de Hauteville gave a very clear signal when he became the King. He is Hauteville, and he means business. The best way to show it is of course mass sacrifice, khm, I mean massive execution of captives gathered in dungeons by Robert Guiscard. Mostly unimportant Muslims no-one wanted to pay ransom for. Bohemond found the execution of heathens relaxing. Tells much about the character of the King.

The finer things in life. Good food, fine wine, screams of pain and terror of heathens.

Then, it was time to oversee the lands.

First, his personal demesme. Bohemond lost lands in Apulia and Tunis to his uncles, but he retained the Duchy of Sicily in almost all her glory (apart from Malta). He also was Count of Logudoro in Sardinia, inherited from his father. This was more of a throwaway title, but even back then, Sicily was considered core of Hauteville lands.

Robert Guiscard was not the richest King by far, but what he had, he mainly invested into various counties of Sicily. First and foremost, Palermo, the Norman capital. Robert had gotten agriculture running, had also started some mansions and also, rudimentary barracks for soldiers and tents for archers.

Besides Palermo, the province also had the City of Trapani. Still a small city, but with promise to grow. Also, Bishopric of Mazara. Both came with their own port and fields.

Next was Messina. Acquired by Robert using questionable means and wooden horses, this province was more covered with forests. Meaning a lumber industry, hunters lodges and also, some barracks and tents. The City of Cefalu was in about the same level as Trapani and Bishopric of Catania, known for its mines, was located safely inland.

Siracusa also had some fields, some hunting lodges and barracks. They also had some extra fortifications, but these were to be teared down soon and replaced with something else. It also had the city of Caltagirone, but this was more of an overgrown village then anything else. No Bishopric.

Finally, Agrigento. Bohemond was a proud owner of Grigenti, boasting again some fields and some tents for archers and some fortifications. It had received least attention from the four. It also has a city, called Caltanissetta. The main difference with every other city in the islands is that it is located inlands, away from the sea. It also happens to be located on the center of inland trade routes of the island.

Core lands of the Kings of Sicily

That is the extent of personal power of Bohemond. Then, of course, there are the vassals. First and foremost is Arnald of Calabria. Son of Robert, brother of Roger Guiscard and also, a personal ward of Robert. Just a bit older then Bohemond- he is 20. He controls all three provinces of Calabria, also has Malta and has Count of Djerba (province in Tripolitania) as his personal vassal. Making him the strongest of the vassals. Also, he is a formidable leader and almost as great of a warrior as his father was.

Then, there is Gaufrid of Salerno. Son of Abelard of Camarda, he had recently declared himself a Duke of Salerno and moved the capital there. Just 19 years old, he is mostly known for his gluttony.

Robert of Lanciano, son of Geoffrey de Hauteville, a brother of Robert Guiscard, still holds both counties of Lanciano and Foggia. Still guards the northern border. Still is a chancellor. He is also 58 years old, so he will not most likely stick around for too long no more.

Giselle of Pomorje is just 13 years old. His father, Herman, brother of Abelard of Camarda and son of Humphrey, died quite soon after he got the county and Giselle had been running Pomorje for over a decade. She is safely betrothed matrilineally, so the Hautevilles of Pomorje will keep on.

Prince Guy of Sicily is the Uncle of Bohemond. He is also the Duke of Tunis, and owner of two counties- Tunis and Satfura. He also has a vassal of his own- Serlo Hauteville-Aribus of the Medjerda. He is also a competent military engineer, excelling on sieges. And even though he is just 31 years old, he has already managed to sire 6 children.

Countess Pulcheria of Napoli inherited the county, after his father, Sergios, died fighting for Robert Guiscard in the first invasion of Africa. Though only 25 years old, she had been ruling for nearly 20 years. She had also inherited his father's distaste for Normans.

Then, there is Count Tomasz of Constantine. Fresh widower, former husband of Princess Mabel, Bohemond’s aunt. Lustful glutton, whose jovial face and cheerful manners hide a ruthless and cunning man. Lustful indeed though, for now the 46 years old man is betrothed to 12-year old Busilla de Conversano.

Next in line is Count Osbern of Jafara. Son of Jarohnev and Princess Eria, yet another aunt of Bohemond. Making him a cousin. Just 7 years old, he controls the counties of Jafara and Tripolitania (the latter inherited from his baby brother, who died at the age of 2).

Count Svetozar of Sfax controls the latest conquest of the Hautevilles- Duchy of Gabes. Married to yet another aunt of Bohemond, Princess Gaitelgrima, the nepotism of the Hautevilles becomes more and more obvious with every turn.

Then, there is Richard of Gallura. Again, a Hauteville, son of Drogo. Just one thing- he is already 45 years old and has not managed to produce an heir thus far. It is suspected that Gallura will leave the hands of Hautevilles soon. But since this is Gallura, quite an unimportant province in Sardinia, no-one cares much.

Finally, there is Duke Roger of Apulia. An uncle, a hunchback, a drunkard and quite a learned man. Controlling a single county of Apulia, while having Geoffrey of Bari, owning Bari and Lecce, as his vassal. Robert did really receive a short end of the stick.

The Kingdom of Sicily and all (direct) vassals of Bohemond

Then, of course, there is the council. Bohemond kept Dragomir as steward and Robert as his Councillor. Since the former spymaster, Geoffrey of Bari, was no longer a direct vassal- as was with former Marshal, Serlo of Medjerda, these Bohemond had to replace. Tomasz of Constantine got to be the new spymaster. Arnald of Calabria got the new Marshal position. Both men are more than deserving of their positions as well. Finally, Abelard was still there. Still Court Physician. Still loyal, though not as much as he was to Robert.

The Council

Robert Guiscard left Bohemond a full coffer. Nearly 1000 gold there. Also, Bohemond got about 4000 levies at his disposal and a small, but powerful enough core army. Mangonels, archers, light horses, pikeman and levies. A bit of everything. Bohemond has some muscle to throw around, for sure.

The army and the money

Half of the coffers, Bohemond spent right away. Two new Duchy titles, Gabes and Tripolitania, were created on his order. Both Svetozar and Osbern now were ecstatic with the new King and were crowned Dukes in a grand ceremony, with an old man and a child kneeling side-by-side, as Bohemond crowned them both as Dukes. It was nothing compared to the thing that was to come though.

Two new Dukes

On 7th January of 1093, Bohemond became a King of Sicily at the age of 15. On 11th January, he became of age. The preparations for the sweet sixteen of the King were already well on their way- and now, with Bohemond becoming a new King, amped up a few degrees. People from all over the realm and the world were already coming to see the potential new King of Sicily. Now, they saw the real new King instead. This started with Bohemond being crowned as the King by Pope Alexander II (still alive and kicking), who was one of the guests anyway, so what’s a little coronation ceremony on the fly? And ended up in a weekly celebration where wine and beer flowed freely and where even the poorest could stuff themselves to their limit. There was joy, laughter, drunken brawls and much love for the young King.

Bohemond, coming of age

As for Bohemond himself, after the coronation, he retreated to the crypt underneath the Cathedral of Palermo. Two graves were there. His grandfather and his father. He kneeled on the cold stone floor and prayed in silence. For hours. Praying for their place in heaven, remnicenting good times he had with both of them. Finally, he stood up and said silently, both to himself and to Robert and Bohemond. “Father, I will swear that I will be as brave of a knight as you were. And Grandfather, I will swear that I will be as cunning and brilliant as you were. I will not squander my inheritance, but I will raise the Hautevilles to the new glory!”

Thus started the rule of King Bohemond the Younger.

 

[hjarg]

What better time to show off how the Kingdom of Sicily is actually doing. And it is doing quite well. Though not an ultimate powerhouse, it is able to stand against their neighbors, both financially and militarily.

And I love the timing. 4 days as an underage King.

One of the most significant people of the latter half of the 11th century. All his successors will struggle to stand out from his shadow.

I agree on the significance. But I disagree with successors struggling. The first chap is usually easy to overshadow, for he is the one laying the foundation. Bohemond will most likely have no trouble being several times the man Robert Guiscard was. It is Bohemond's heir that will have to do the struggling

That is quite a life. And quite the bitter end. May his legacy go to the stars!

Yeah, one thing I love about Robert Guiscard is this not quite from rags to riches, but from minor noble with no prospects to great ruler thing.

If he thinks the Romans are on the decline..
He may be in for a big surprise.

If the Romans think they are not on the decline, they might get a big surprise. Norman style

If all your rulers are as good as him, you'll rule the known world in no time.

This is a big-big-big world though. We shall see

 

[stnylan]

Fair point re: successors

But only one person gets to be the true founder of the realm. Aside from that Bohemond has every advantage, if he can but grasp it. Somehow ... I doubt that will be too much of a problem.

 

[TheAnguishedOne]

Four days of being underage. Wow. That's hilarious. I appreciate the internal update on how the kingdom is fairing.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

This started with Bohemond being crowned as the King by Pope Alexander II (still alive and kicking)

He's a tough old bird, right? The game seems to favour younger popes. When he finally died in my game, the game replaced him with a teenager.

 

[Cora Giantkiller]

I Was A Teenaged Pope, the 12th century YA bestseller