biography
pronunciation:
[roojayroh]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1095–1154)
|
| biography:
| King of Sicily, the son of Ruggero I. He became count of Sicily in 1113 and began joining all the Norman territories in S Italy under his rule. In 1127 he was made Duke of Puglia and Calabria, conquered Naples, Capua, and Bari, and in 1130 was crowned King of Sicily by antipope Anacleto II. After defeating a coalition comprising pope, emperor, Venice, Pisa, and the Byzantines, he was recognized king by Pope Innocent II. He expanded further, gaining Tripoli (1146) and Corfù (1147). He strengthened central government and promoted religious tolerance, making his court a haven for scientists, writers, and artists. |
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