The Situation in Sicily
However, the dominance of the Kalbites eventually fractured, dividing the Sicilian domain into several warring taifas (regional rulers). With the Normans hovering just over the Messina strait (the body of water between Italy and Sicily), opportunities of raiding the Sicilian coast began to test the naval and military capabilities of the island while ideas of a Norman invasion were patiently materializing. The opportunities eventually presented itself for an invasion, beginning with the siege and capture of the city of Messina on Sicily's far northeastern coast in 1061 CE. Palermo soon succumbed to the conquering under Roger de Hauteville, Robert's brother, in 1072 CE. The growing Norman presence on the island result in one of the most opportunistic aspects of cross-cultural and multicultural practices of its time period.