Muslimische Perspektiven auf christliche Eroberungen in Süditalien

Abstract

This paper discusses two medieval conquest processes of lasting historical significance: the capture of Muslim settlements in Sicily and southern Italy by Christian kings in the 13th and early 14th century CE. These conquests contributed to the separation of a predominantly Christian Europe and an Islamic-dominated North Africa. Before, Muslims had inhabited Sicily for centuries, initially as the dominant population group, and since the 11th century as a tolerated religious minority under Christian rule. In the first half of the 13th century, however, some of the subjugated Muslims rebelled against the Christian king, whereupon he defeated the rebel bases and had most of the Muslims deported to the southern Italian mainland. Here they settled again for several decades until, after a renewed conflict with the ruler in 1300, their main city was conquered and tens of thousands of Muslims were enslaved.