2. 1066 and after

In 1066, William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy, inherited from his predecessors a state well-integrated into the Franks’ kingdom, but which was almost independent politically.

William either strengthened his domination over his neighbours or forged alliances with them. As did his predecessors, he followed closely the political situation in England and took advantage of Edward the Confessor’s death to seize the throne and share the kingdom with his allies. At the same time, another Norman dynasty settled down in Sicily and as far as Syria (Antioch) during the Crusades. Under Norman rule, London and Palermo were the most magnificent of European courts.