italy

Normans in Italy EP 3: King of Sicily

Roger II has played a high stakes game to secure his crown.  Now a king, he must face the consequences of backing the wrong Pope.  Rebellious barons, treacherous in-laws, and the loss of his beloved wife burden him as Roger continues to fight for his kingdom.  Two emperors conspire to jointly attack him, and the…

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Normans in Italy EP 3: King of Sicily

Both the Germans and the French trace their origins to Charlemagne and the Franks. But who were the Franks, and how did they have such a powerful effect on the shape of Western Europe? This episode is a family drama gone wild, as the warriors of Charlemagne’s family compete for land and status. Blindings, treachery…

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Normans in Sicily EP 2: Roger II

Roger II inherits his father’s position as ruler of Sicily and begins to take over parts of Southern Italy as well.  Along the way a daring plan leads Norman knights out of a desperate situation, and a Crusader king proposes marriage.  Norman state-building in Sicily takes on a unique character, and Norman knights fight armies…

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Normans in Sicily EP 2: Roger II

Both the Germans and the French trace their origins to Charlemagne and the Franks. But who were the Franks, and how did they have such a powerful effect on the shape of Western Europe? This episode is a family drama gone wild, as the warriors of Charlemagne’s family compete for land and status. Blindings, treachery…

Read More