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
The Diversity of the Norman Army
12023-05-05T09:36:39-07:00James J Walsh82e88f44989398ce3da36e519ea57a917fadcc70428136plain2023-05-11T12:33:31-07:00James J Walsh82e88f44989398ce3da36e519ea57a917fadcc70The makeup of the Norman army during its mercenary work in the Italian Peninsula were made up of solely Norman men who cam to the region for adventure and money. As the Normans began to conquer the lands of southern Italy, it became very clear to the Normans that they needed to expand their army size in order to continue expansion and maintain the lands they own. The Norman army and navy was supplemented with locals from the Italian Peninsula, consisting of Lombards, Italians, Greeks, and Berbers throughout their domain. This led to the issue of properly relaying orders to all members of the army. Individuals who were multilingual ended up serving in pivotal roles in the Norman army, as they were able to talk to the many diverse groups of the army and navy while they interacted with their Norman commanders.One of the most famous non-Norman military officers who served under Robert Guiscard was George of Antioch. Born to Byzantine Christians in Antioch, his family moved to Tunisia following the First Crusade to serve under the current Zirid emir, Tamim ibn Muizz. Following his departure from Tunisia to the Norman lands of Italy, he found immediate employment within the Norman administration under Roger II. George provided a bevy of key skills and connections for the Normans, including knowledge of the Zirid administration, his connections in Egypt, and his knowledge of the Greek and Arabic languages. He later served as second-in-command in 1123 CE in the navy under another Greek, named Christodulus, who also served the Normans in Italy. George continued to obtain a series of achievements for the Normans, serving as an envoy to the Fatimid court in Cairo and also becoming emir (ruler) of Palermo in 1127 CE, despite being a Byzantine Christian and not Muslim.
1media/800px-George_of_Antioch_and_Holy_Virgin_thumb.jpg2023-05-10T04:50:00-07:00George of Antioch2George of Antioch played a pivotal role during his service under the Normans. This mosaic of him in the church of the Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio shows George of Antioch praying before the Virgin Mary.media/800px-George_of_Antioch_and_Holy_Virgin.jpgplain2023-05-11T12:33:01-07:00