Roger III of Sicily facts for kids
Roger III (born 1175, died December 24, 1193) was an important figure from the House of Hauteville. He was the oldest son of Tancred of Sicily, who was King of Sicily, and Queen Sibylla of Acerra. Roger was set to become king after his father.
Who Was Roger III?
Roger III was born in 1175. He was part of the powerful Hauteville family, who ruled the Kingdom of Sicily. His father, Tancred, became king around 1189.
Early Life and Royal Role
Soon after his father became king, Roger was given the title of Duke of Apulia. This was a very important position. In the summer of 1192, Roger was crowned as a co-king with his father. This meant they ruled together. Coins called Follari were even made in Messina with both their names on them, showing they were both kings.
A Royal Marriage Plan
In 1193, King Tancred made plans for Roger to marry Irene Angelina. She was the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Isaac II Angelos. This marriage would have created a strong alliance between the Kingdom of Sicily and the Byzantine Empire.
The End of a Young King
Sadly, Roger died on December 24, 1193. He was only 18 years old. His death changed his father's plans for the kingdom. King Tancred quickly crowned Roger's younger brother, William III, as the new co-king. However, King Tancred himself died soon after, on February 20, 1194.
Later that year, on November 20, 1194, Henry VI, the Holy Roman Emperor, entered Palermo. William III was removed from power on December 25. In 1197, Roger's widow, Irene, married Henry VI's brother, Duke Philip of Swabia.
