What is italo norman?

The Italo-Normans were a group of Norman warriors who invaded and conquered southern Italy in the 11th and 12th centuries. They were initially hired by Lombard princes to defend against attacks from Byzantine Greeks, but eventually began conquering and ruling over the region themselves.

The Italo-Normans were a mix of northern French and Viking ancestry, and brought with them their own distinct culture and language. They experienced a degree of assimilation with the local Italian population, and over time developed a unique fusion of Norman and Italian styles.

Under Italo-Norman rule, southern Italy thrived, with significant cultural and economic developments taking place. They were particularly active in construction, building impressive castles, palaces, and churches which still stand today.

The Italo-Normans also played a significant role in the Crusades, with many of their leaders participating in expeditions to the Holy Land and other parts of Europe. The Kingdom of Sicily, which they established through a series of conquests, existed until the late 19th century.