Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Aspects of the Normans in Southern Italy, Sicily & North Africa

Cross-Cultural Influences in the Creation of a Norman Administration

While Robert Guiscard was an unrivaled conqueror and shrewd diplomat in his own right, the question of Norman bureaucracy and administrative work became a pressing matter that needed immediate address. However, this responsibility wasn’t taken up by Robert, as he passed away in 1085 CE. Instead, the ascension of Roger I led to the foundation of Norman rule, where the ideas and opinions of the new administration wouldn’t be limited to Normans alone. Prominent administrative and civil leaders who were Italian, Lombard, Greek, and Berber all received a say in creating a new government throughout southern Italy. Roger I utilized these different groups to help establish a realm that allowed multiple cultures and religions to live amongst one another despite their difference.

One of Roger I’s methods was to incorporate several facets and practices from each religion and culture into the government itself. This can be observed in the various official languages practiced across the Norman realm. Every language from Arabic, Greek, Latin, and Norman French was recognized as both official and important languages of the current rule of the Duchy of Apulia and Calabria. On top of that, Roger I and his administrators agreed to a series of laws that incorporated the many cultures and religions of the realm. These implementations created a practice of religious and cultural tolerance that was both ahead of its time and played a key role in everyday Norman life.

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