In 1136, Emperor Lothair enters Italy to help Pope Innocent II against Roger II, King of Capua, Apulia and Sicily. Their allies include Rainulf, Count of Avellino and brother-in-law to Roger. In August 1137, having fought successfully down the length of Italy, Lothair makes Rainulf Duke of Apulia, then returns home, leaving eight hundred knights with Rainulf. Innocent enters Rome despite the presence of the anti-Pope, Anacletus II.
In October, Roger returns from Sicily and devastates the lands that had repudiated him but is defeated by Rainulf at Rignano in Apulia. However, Roger next besieges Naples and regains Benevento and Monte Cassino. Rainulf retains only Apulia. Roger mediates between Innocent and Anacletus but delays his decision.
Lothair dies in December 1137, Anacletus in January 1138 and Rainulf in spring 1139. Shortly after Rainulf's death, Roger and his son, Duke Roger, take Innocent prisoner.
However, in 1137alpha, King Roger and Duke Roger die at Rignano.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul
Yes, I can see, despite his defeat at Rignano, how King Roger could take advantage of the opportunities offered him by the deaths of Lothair, Anacletus, and Duke Rainulf. And capturing Pope Innocent gave Roger a very strong bargaining position.
Ad astra! Sean
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