Synopses & Reviews
This book is an introductory account of the kingdom of Sicily established in 1130 by Roger II, a "Norman" king, and ruled by Roger, his son, and grandsons until 1194 when the kingdom was conquered by his son-in-law, Henry VI of Hohenstaufen. The period covered does, however, extend from 1130 to 1266, when the kingdom passed from the Hohenstaufen heirs to Charles of Anjou, which is roughly as long and as coherent as the "Norman" monarchy of England between 1066 and 1204.
Review
"There is much of value about governmental administration, for example, that is not available elsewhere or is scattered through various books and articles. This volume will be useful to students." The International History Review
Review
"Matthew's treatment of political life is gripping and dramatic...will be valued by scholars and graduate students who want to know more about southern Italy." History
Synopsis
An introductory account of the kingdom of Sicily established in 1130 by Roger II, a "Norman" king, and ruled by him, his son and grandsons until 1194 when the kingdom was conquered by his son-in-law, Henry VI of Hohenstaufen.
Synopsis
This new book is the first to examine the Sicilian rule and achievements of Roger II and his descendants.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 381-398) and index.
Table of Contents
List of abbreviations; Note on coinage; Map of Sicily and southern Italy; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Part I. The Normans and the Monarchy: 1. Southern Italy and the Normans before the creation of the monarchy; 2. The establishment of the kingdom; Part II. The Kingdom: 3. The material resources of the kingdom; 4. The religious communities of the kingdom; 5. Intellectual and artistic aspects of the kingdom; 6. The ordering of society; Part III. The Monarchy: 7. The kings in their kingdom; 8. Royal government and administration; 9. The kingdom's defences and its enemies; Part IV. The Norman Legacy: 10. The kingdom in disarray; 11. The kingdom revitalised; 12. The kingdom betrayed; Index.