Robert Guiscard

Robert Guiscard was a powerful Norman adventurer during the 11th century. He was a member of the Hauteville family from Normandy. His nickname, "Guiscard," relates to the word "wiseacre." In his time, this meant a wise man. However, many people also called him "the Resourceful," "the Cunning," or "the Fox." These names suggest he was a very clever leader. He eventually conquered large parts of southern Italy and Sicily.

Robert was the sixth son of Tancred de Hauteville and Fressenda. Because he was a younger son, he did not inherit much land. He left Normandy to follow his older brothers to Italy. According to the historian Anna Komnene, he arrived with only five riders and thirty followers. In 1047, he led a group of roving fighters in southern Italy. He spent years looking for his own territory to rule. He eventually gained command of the castle at San Marco Argentano.

His rise to power involved many complex political moves. In 1057, he succeeded his brother Humphrey as Count of Apulia and Calabria. To build stronger alliances, he married Sikelgaita, the sister of Gisulf II of Salerno. This marriage helped connect the Normans with the local Lombards. A major turning point occurred in 1059 at the Treaty of Melfi. Robert swore fealty, or loyalty, to Pope Nicholas II. In return, the Pope gave him official titles. Robert became the Duke of Apulia and Calabria and the Lord of Sicily.

After the treaty, Robert began a series of military campaigns. He worked closely with his younger brother, Roger I. Together, they fought to control the Calabria region. They successfully took cities like Cariati, Rossano, and Gerace. Robert also fought to remove Byzantine garrisons from Taranto and Brindisi. He even conducted a long siege to conquer the city of Reggio. These victories cleared the path for his next goal: the island of Sicily.

The conquest of Sicily was a long and difficult process. In 1061, Robert and Roger took the city of Messina. Robert even formed an alliance with the Muslim emir of Syracuse to fight other local leaders. During these campaigns, Robert was known as "Black Shirt Robert." This was because he wore elegant black clothing during his expeditions. While he faced many setbacks, including an abandoned march due to tarantulas, the Normans eventually gained control. In 1071, the County of Sicily was created for his brother, Roger.

Robert also fought against the Byzantine Empire to expand his influence. He spent four years besieging the city of Bari until it surrendered in 1071. Later, he sailed to the Balkans with a large army. Some sources say he had 1,300 knights, while others claim he had up to 10,000 troops. In 1081, he defeated Emperor Alexios I Komnenos at the Battle of Dyrrachium. Robert even believed he had a right to rule the Byzantine Empire himself. He was a leader who constantly pushed the boundaries of his power.

In his final years, Robert supported the Pope in Italy. In 1084, he entered Rome to help Pope Gregory VII. He forced the Emperor Henry IV to retreat from the city. However, Robert's life ended while he was still campaigning. He died of a fever on July 17, 1085, in Cephalonia. His remains were returned to Italy for burial. He was laid to rest in the Hauteville family mausoleum at the Abbey of Santissima Trinità in Venosa.