The Importance of Palermo
Aside from the strategic and economic benefits of the island, Palermo boomed as a hub for diversity and a practice of cultural and religious tolerance. The sociocultural blend of French, Norman, Italian, Lombard, Greek, Jewish, Berber, and Arab cultures helped inspire incredible feats of cultural, education, and architectural achievement for its time. Norman rule continued to encourage cross-cultural and multicultural elements that contributed to the benefit of the city. Over the next century, Palermo became a central hub for art, architecture, science, and scholarship from across the Mediterranean world. Thanks to Palermo's cultural and economic prosperity, the Kingdom of Sicily became one of the wealthiest states in Europe, especially when compared to other nations like their Norman counterparts in England.