William Iron Arm facts for kids

William I of Hauteville (born around 1000 to 1010, died 1046) was a brave Norman adventurer. He was often called William Iron Arm because of his strength in battle. William was a key figure in starting the powerful Hauteville family. He was one of twelve sons of Tancred of Hauteville.

William traveled to Southern Italy (called the Mezzogiorno) around 1035 with his younger brother Drogo. They went to help other Normans who were already there, led by Rainulf Drengot, the count of Aversa.

William's Adventures in Sicily

Between 1038 and 1040, William and other Normans fought in Sicily. They were working as soldiers for hire, also known as mercenaries, for the Byzantine Empire. They fought alongside the Lombards against the Kalbids.

How William Got His Nickname

It was during this time in Sicily that William earned his famous nickname, "Iron Arm." This happened during a siege of Syracuse. William bravely killed the leader (emir) of Syracuse all by himself during a fight outside the city walls.

Leaving the Byzantine Army

Later, the Byzantine general George Maniakes publicly shamed a Lombard leader named Arduin. Because of this, the Lombards, Normans, and a special guard called the Varangian Guard left the campaign. After Maniakes was called back to Constantinople, a new Byzantine leader in Italy, Michael Doukeianos, made Arduin the ruler of Melfi.

Norman Revolt in Apulia

Melfi soon joined other Lombards in the region of Apulia who were rebelling against Byzantine rule. William and the Normans supported this revolt. However, the Byzantines managed to pay off the leaders of the rebellion.

In September 1042, the Normans decided to choose their own leader. They picked William, ignoring Arduin. This meant the revolt, which started with the Lombards, was now mostly led by the Normans.

Becoming Count of Apulia

After the previous leader, Argyrus, switched sides, the Normans elected William as their count. William and other important Norman leaders, like Drogo and Peter, asked Guaimar IV, the Prince of Salerno, to recognize their new lands.

They were given the lands around Melfi as a fief. This meant they held the land from Guaimar. Guaimar then called himself "Duke of Apulia and Calabria."

Dividing the Land

In 1043, at Melfi, Guaimar divided the region into twelve areas called baronies. These were given to the Norman leaders. For example, Asclettin received Acerenza, and Drogo received Venosa. William, being the most important Norman leader, received the lordship of Ascoli. William also married Guida, who was the daughter of Guy, the duke of Sorrento, and a niece of Guaimar.

Later Years and Death

During his time as count, William and Guaimar started to conquer Calabria in 1044. They also built a large castle called Stridula, likely near Squillace. In 1045, William faced a defeat near Taranto by Argyrus.

William Iron Arm passed away in early 1046. His brother, Drogo, took over as the new leader. William's titles were never officially confirmed by the Holy Roman Emperor. Because of this, he is usually called "Count of the Normans in all Apulia and Calabria."

Images for kids

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  Tomb of the Hautevilles at the Abbey of the Santissima Trinità in Venosa.