Treaty of Mignano facts for kids
The Treaty of Mignano of 1139 was an important agreement that brought an end to a long war in Southern Italy. This conflict had lasted for more than ten years. It began after the regions of Apulia and Calabria on the mainland joined with the Island of Sicily in 1127.
In 1130, a church leader named Antipope Anacletus II crowned Roger II as king. However, the official pope, Innocent II, did not agree with this. Many local rulers who were supposed to be loyal to Roger also disagreed with him acting as king over them. For most of the 1130s, Roger fought and defeated these rulers one by one. In 1137, the Emperor Lothair II came to Italy with the Pope and took control of most of the south. But when Lothair died, the southern rulers lost their main support. Roger quickly took back all his lands. In 1139, the duke of Apulia, Ranulf of Alife, who was supported by the Pope and Emperor, passed away.
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What Was the Treaty of Mignano?
The Treaty of Mignano was a peace agreement signed in 1139. It officially recognized Roger II as the King of Sicily and the ruler of other important areas in Southern Italy. This treaty was a big deal because it ended a long period of fighting between Roger II and the Pope.
The Big Fight for Southern Italy
After Roger II united the lands of Apulia, Calabria, and Sicily, he wanted to be recognized as a king. This was a powerful move, but it caused problems.
- Two Popes: At the time, there were two people claiming to be the Pope. One was Antipope Anacletus II, who crowned Roger II. The other was Innocent II, who was seen as the true Pope by most. Innocent II did not accept Roger's new title.
- Local Rulers Rebel: Many powerful local leaders in Southern Italy did not want Roger to have so much power over them. They joined forces with Pope Innocent II against Roger.
- Emperor Steps In: The fighting lasted for years. In 1137, the powerful Emperor Lothair II came to Italy to help Pope Innocent II. They managed to conquer a lot of Roger's territory.
- Roger's Comeback: But then, Emperor Lothair II died. This left the local rulers and the Pope without their strong ally. Roger II was very quick to act and soon won back all his lands.
How the Treaty Happened
Even after Roger II won back his lands, Pope Innocent II and a prince named Robert II of Capua still wanted to regain control.
- The Pope's March: Pope Innocent II and Prince Robert II marched with their troops to try and take back power.
- A Surprise Attack: At a place called Galluccio, Roger's son, Roger III, led a surprise attack. With only about a thousand knights, he managed to capture the Pope and his group.
- The Treaty is Signed: Three days later, on July 25, at a place called Mignano, the treaty was signed. Pope Innocent II officially recognized Roger II as the "King of Sicily, Duke of Apulia, and Prince of Capua." He also gave these titles to Roger.
- Titles for Sons: Roger's son, Roger III, was made the Duke of Apulia. Another son, Alfonso, became the Prince of Capua.
Later Agreements
The Treaty of Mignano was very important, but the story didn't end there.
- Pope Changes His Mind: In 1143, Pope Innocent II decided he didn't want to recognize the treaty anymore.
- Roger's Response: Roger II sent his commander, Robert of Selby, to march towards the papal city of Benevento. This pressure made the Pope agree to the Treaty of Mignano again.
- More Agreements: Later, in 1156, another agreement called the Treaty of Benevento was made. This treaty confirmed that Roger II would pay the Pope 600 schifati (a type of coin) each year, as agreed in 1139. An extra 400 schifati was added for new lands Roger had conquered.
See also
- List of treaties
Sources
