Confrontation of Powers in the Norman Kingdom of sicily

The Norman conquest of Sicily in the eleventh century revealed that the primary power struggles within the kingdom were internal, pitting kings against their own Norman aristocracy—both Christian—rather than external forces like Muslims or other Christian factions. This study challenges conventional narratives by demonstrating that the strong Norman kingship was sustained through a delicate balance among aristocrats, cities, and bureaucrats. The research focuses on Palermo's palace, originally a Muslim castle repurposed as a royal residence, highlighting its symbolic and strategic importance in mediating these power dynamics. By analyzing historical records and political structures, the study underscores how central authority emerged not from conflict with outsiders but through intricate negotiations among elites.

Takayama, H. (2019). Confrontation of Powers in the Norman Kingdom of sicily. Sicily and the Mediterranean in the Middle Ages, 134–146. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351022309-8