Robert Guiscard
Norman adventurer who conquered Southern Italy and Sicily in the 11th century.
Chronology: 1016 – 1085-07-17
Origins & Early Life
Robert Guiscard ( ghee-SKAR, Modern French: [ʁɔbɛʁ ɡiskaʁ]; c. 1015 – 17 July 1085), also referred to as Robert de Hauteville, was a Norman adventurer remembered for his conquest of southern Italy and Sicily in the 11th century. Robert was born into the Hauteville family in Normandy, the sixth son of Tancred de Hauteville and his wife Fressenda. He inherited the County of Apulia and Calabria from his brother in 1057, and in 1059 he was made Duke of Apulia and Calabria and Lord of Sicily by Pope Nicholas II.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
He was also briefly Prince of Benevento (1078–1081), before returning the title to the papacy. == Name == Robert's sobriquet, "Guiscard" (in contemporary Latin Viscardus and Old French Viscart, closely related to the English word "wiseacre", which archaically meant 'wise man'), is often rendered as "the Resourceful", "the Cunning", "the Wily", "the Fox", or "the Weasel". In Italian sources he is known as Roberto il Guiscardo or Roberto d'Altavilla (meaning Robert Guiscard and Robert de Hauteville), while medieval Arabic sources call him simply Abārt al-dūqa (Duke Robert). == Historical background == From 999 to 1042, different Normans began migrating to Italy, where they mainly worked...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia