Siege of Capua facts for kids

The siege of Capua was a military event in medieval southern Italy. It happened in May 1098 and lasted for 40 days. This siege was important because many famous people were there. It also showed how Norman and Saracen (Muslim) forces worked together.

Why Did the Siege Happen?

The siege was started by Richard II, who was the prince of Capua. He had been forced out of his own city for seven years (from 1091 to 1098) by Lando IV.

When Richard became old enough, he asked for help. He reached out to his great uncle, Roger I, who was the count of Sicily. He also asked his cousin, Roger Borsa, who was the duke of Apulia.

Both Rogers agreed to help Richard. Roger of Sicily got the city of Naples in return. Roger Borsa received Richard's promise to respect his authority as duke.

Important People at the Siege

Pope Urban II was also at the siege. He came to talk with Roger of Sicily about a disagreement. Roger had arrested a bishop named Robert. The Pope had given Robert a special role in Sicily, but Roger believed he held that role himself. After their talk, Roger released Bishop Robert.

Because the Pope was there, a very respected church leader, Anselm of Aosta, came to meet him. Anselm was the archbishop of Canterbury and was from a group called the Lombards. He was in self-exile from King William II of England at the time. According to Anselm's writer, Eadmer, "the Lord Pope and Anselm were neighbours at the siege."

An Unusual Alliance: Normans and Saracens

Eadmer, Anselm's biographer, also wrote about the Arabs (Saracens) at the siege. He said their brown tents were "innumerable," meaning there were too many to count. Many Arabs were impressed by stories of Anselm's goodness. They visited his tent to get food and other gifts.

Eadmer also mentioned that Roger of Sicily, whose soldiers the Saracens were, did not let them convert to the Roman Catholic faith. Many of them wanted to. Eadmer found this strange.

Historians believe Roger had a reason for this. By keeping a third religious group (Muslims) on the island, he made sure he would always have an ally. This was useful if either the Latin Christians or the Greek Christians opposed him. It also gave his Muslim soldiers a way to use their military skills.

What Happened Next?

When the city of Capua finally gave up, Richard was made prince again. Roger Borsa accepted Richard's promise of loyalty. After the siege, the Pope and Roger of Sicily went back to Salerno.

Learn More

• Southern, R. W. Saint Anselm and His Biographer. Cambridge, 1963.
• Norwich, John Julius. The Normans in the South 1016-1130. Longmans: London, 1967.