Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Aspects of the Normans in Southern Italy, Sicily & North AfricaMain MenuThe Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Aspects of the Normans in Southern Italy, Sicily, and North AfricaIntroduction to the ProjectAn introduction from the author and creator of the projectThe Normans in Southern ItalyThe Normans in SicilyThe Normans in North AfricaVideo ReferencesCitationsJames J Walsh82e88f44989398ce3da36e519ea57a917fadcc70
Crowning of Robert Guiscard by the Pope
1media/post-1_image1-8-scaled_thumb.jpg2023-05-10T03:47:19-07:00James J Walsh82e88f44989398ce3da36e519ea57a917fadcc70428132Painting of Robert Guiscard being crowned by the Pope as Duke of Apulia in 1059 CE.plain2023-05-11T20:04:34-07:00James J Walsh82e88f44989398ce3da36e519ea57a917fadcc70
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12023-05-08T11:51:38-07:00Cross-Cultural Influences in the Creation of a Norman Administration5plain2023-05-10T03:48:02-07:00While 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.