Roger Borsa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roger Borsa |
|
|---|---|
| Count of Apulia and Calabria | |
| Reign | 1085 – 1111 |
| Predecessor | Robert Guiscard |
| Successor | William II |
Roger Borsa (born 1060 or 1061 – died 1111) was a powerful Norman leader. He was the Duke of Apulia and Calabria, ruling a large part of southern Italy from 1085 until his death. His nickname, "Borsa," means "purse." He got it because he loved counting his money!
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Roger Borsa's Early Life
Roger was the son of a famous leader named Robert Guiscard. His mother was Sikelgaita, a noblewoman from the Lombard people. Sikelgaita was very ambitious. She worked hard to make sure Roger would become duke after his father. This was instead of Robert Guiscard's older son, Bohemond of Taranto, who was Roger's half-brother.
In 1073, Roger's mother announced that he would be the next ruler. This happened after his father, Guiscard, became sick. Roger's cousin, Abelard of Hauteville, was the only one who disagreed. He thought he should be the duke instead.
Becoming Duke of Apulia
In 1084, Roger went with his father on a military trip to Greece. His father died there in 1085. At that time, Roger was still in Greece. His half-brother, Bohemond, was in Italy.
Roger quickly returned to Italy with his mother. His uncle, Roger I of Sicily, helped him a lot. With his uncle's support, Roger was officially recognized as the duke in September 1085. His Lombard family background also made him a popular choice.
Facing His Brother Bohemond
Bohemond, Roger's half-brother, was not happy. He started a rebellion against Roger. Bohemond took control of several cities like Oria, Otranto, and Taranto. Roger tried to make peace in 1086. For a while, they ruled together.
But in 1087, Bohemond started fighting again. He surprised Roger's army and defeated them. Bohemond took Taranto back. Roger Borsa was a strong fighter himself. He captured cities like Benevento and Capua. However, he could never fully control Bohemond.
Finally, Pope Urban II helped them make peace. Bohemond received Taranto and other lands. Roger also gave him control over Brindisi and Cosenza. In 1089, Pope Urban II officially made Roger Borsa the Duke of Apulia.
Roger Borsa's Rule
Roger Borsa allowed some local lords to make their own coins. He also wanted to improve cities in southern Italy. He gave special papers called charters to towns. These charters helped towns grow and develop.
In 1090, Roger and Pope Urban II encouraged Bruno of Cologne to become an archbishop. Bruno was the founder of a religious group called the Carthusian Order.
In 1098, Roger Borsa helped his cousin, Richard II of Capua. Richard had been forced out of his city, Capua, when he was young. Roger and his uncle, Roger I of Sicily, started a siege of Capua. A siege is when an army surrounds a city to capture it. The city fell after 40 days. Important people like Pope Urban II and Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury were there.
In 1104, Roger attacked William, Count of Monte Sant'Angelo. William was independent and supported the Byzantine Empire. Roger drove him out of the Gargano region. Roger Borsa died on February 22, 1111. He was buried in the main church of Salerno.
Family Life
In 1092, Roger Borsa married Adela of Flanders. She was the daughter of Robert I, Count of Flanders. Adela had also been married before to Canute IV of Denmark.
Roger and Adela had three children:
- Louis, who died young in 1094.
- William, who became duke after Roger.
- Guiscard, who also died young in 1108.
Roger also had another son named William of Gesualdo.
