The Normans in Italy 1016–1194 (Men-at-Arms Book 533)

Preceding and simultaneously with the conquest of England by Duke William, other ambitious and aggressive Norman noblemen (notably the Drengot, De Hauteville and Guiscard families) found it prudent to leave Normandy. At first taking mercenary employment with Lombard rulers then fighting the Byzantine Empire in southern Italy, many of these noblemen achieved great victories, acquired rich lands of their own, and perfected a feudal military system that lasted for 200 years. As news of the rich pickings to be had in the south spread in Normandy, they were joined by many other opportunists – typically, younger sons who could not inherit lands at home. Steadily, these Norman noblemen fought their way to local power, at first in Apulia, then across the Adriatic in Albania, and finally in Muslim Sicily, defeating in the process the armies of Byzantium, the German 'Holy Roman Empire', and Islamic regional rulers. Finally, in 1130, Roger II founded a unified kingdom incorporating southern Italy and Sicily, which lasted until the death of Tancred of Lecce in 1194 – though its legacy long outlasted Norman political rule. This beautifully illustrated title explores not only the Norman armies, but the armies of their opponents, with full-colour plates and expert analysis revealing fascinating details about the fighting men of Normandy, Byzantium, the Arab armies and more. Title Page Table of Contents Introduction Chronology The Road to Power First Recruitment First Victories and Possessions Papal Recognition Failure in the Balkans Multicultural Influences Reputation Organization The Normans of the Conquest Cavalry Infantry The Siculo-Norman Kingdom Ethnic Components of the Army Normans, Lombards and Latins Muslims Greeks (Rhomaioi) Tactics and Deployment Siege Warfare Armour & Weapons Normans, Lombards and Latins Protective Equipment Offensive Weapons Muslims Greeks (Rhomaioi) Horse Equipment Standards Representative Battles Civitate, 18 June 1053 The Battle of Andria, 1155 Select Bibliography Plate Commentaries eCopyright