# Roger II of Sicily

> King of Sicily from 1130 to 1154

**Wikidata**: [Q193901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193901)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_II_of_Sicily)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roger-ii-of-sicily

## Summary
Roger II of Sicily was a politician, sovereign, and monarch who served as the King of Sicily from 1130 until his death in 1154. Also known as Ruggero II or Roger II de Hauteville, he led the Kingdom of Sicily, a state in southern Italy established during his reign, and is historically associated with the creation of the *Tabula Rogeriana*.

## Biography
- **Born:** December 22, 1095
- **Nationality:** County of Sicily; Kingdom of Sicily
- **Education:** [Data not available in source material]
- **Known for:** Founding the Kingdom of Sicily and reigning as King from 1130 to 1154.
- **Employer(s:** County of Sicily; Kingdom of Sicily
- **Field(s):** Politics, Sovereignty, Monarchy

## Contributions
- **Kingdom of Sicily:** Roger II established the Kingdom of Sicily in 1130, transforming the previous County of Sicily (1071–1130) into a sovereign state that lasted until 1816.
- **Tabula Rogeriana:** His patronage supported the creation of the *Tabula Rogeriana*, a notable work completed in 1154 by Muhammad al Idrisi.
- **Architectural Developments:** His reign is linked to the inception or operation of the Cappella Palatina (1101), Santi Pietro e Paolo d'Agrò (1116), and San Giovanni degli Eremiti (1136). He is also connected to Castello Normanno-Svevo and Parco della Favara.

## FAQs
- **When did Roger II of Sicily rule?**
  He ruled as King of Sicily from 1130 until his death on February 26, 1154.
- **Who were the key officials in Roger II's court?**
  His court included Christodulus (the first emir of Palermo, died 1131), English courtier Robert of Selby, Admiral of Sicily Maio of Bari (1115–1160), and Norman amiral Philip of Mahdia.
- **What is the Tabula Rogeriana?**
  It is a work created in 1154 by Muhammad al Idrisi that is named after and associated with Roger II.
- **What buildings are associated with Roger II?**
  He is affiliated with the Cappella Palatina, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Santi Pietro e Paolo d'Agrò, Castello Normanno-Svevo, and Parco della Favara.

## Why They Matter
Roger II of Sicily is significant for transforming the Norman-held County of Sicily into the Kingdom of Sicily in 1130, creating a unified state that persisted in southern Italy until 1816. His leadership fostered a diverse administrative environment, employing officials of various backgrounds including the first Emir of Palermo and English courtiers. Additionally, his reign produced lasting cultural legacies, such as the Cappella Palatina and the geographical compendium, the *Tabula Rogeriana*.

## Notable For
- **Sovereign Leadership:** King of Sicily from 1130 to 1154.
- **State Formation:** Leader associated with the inception of the Kingdom of Sicily.
- **Cultural Patronage:** Commissioned the *Tabula Rogeriana* (1154).
- **Architectural Legacy:** Linked to the construction of San Giovanni degli Eremiti (1136) and the Cappella Palatina.
- **Alternative Names:** Also known as Ruggero II and Roger II de Hauteville.

## Body
### Identity and Reign
Roger II of Sicily, identified also as Ruggero II or Roger II de Hauteville, was a human, politician, and sovereign. He was born on December 22, 1095, and held citizenship in both the County of Sicily and the Kingdom of Sicily. He served as a monarch and is best defined by his role as the King of Sicily, a position he held from 1130 until his death on February 26, 1154.

### Political Evolution
Roger II's political career was centered on the governance and evolution of Sicily. He initially ruled the County of Sicily, a Norman state comprising the islands of Sicily and Malta and part of Calabria, which existed from 1071 until 1130. In 1130, he established the Kingdom of Sicily, a former state in southern Italy that endured until 1816. This transition marked the shift from a county to a kingdom, with Roger II serving as its primary leader.

### Key Associates and Administration
The administration of Roger II involved several notable figures. He was affiliated with **Christodulus**, who served as the first emir of Norman-ruled Palermo until his death in 1131. **Robert of Selby**, an English courtier, was also part of his circle. Naval and military leadership was provided by **Maio of Bari**, the Admiral of Sicily from 1115 to 1160, and **Philip of Mahdia**, a Norman amiral.

### Architectural and Cultural Projects
Roger II's era is marked by the development of specific architectural sites in Italy. The **Cappella Palatina**, a royal chapel in Palermo, is associated with his reign (inception recorded as January 17, 1101). The **San Giovanni degli Eremiti**, a church in Palermo, was established in 1136. Earlier in his timeline, the **Santi Pietro e Paolo d'Agrò** church building in Casalvecchio Siculo was initiated in 1116. He is also connected to the **Castello Normanno-Svevo**, a castle in Bari, and the **Parco della Favara**.

In the realm of science and geography, Roger II is linked to the **Tabula Rogeriana**, a significant work produced in 1154 by the scholar Muhammad al Idrisi.

## References

1. BeWeB
2. LIBRIS. 2012
3. The Peerage
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. BnF authorities
7. CiNii Research
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Czech National Authority Database
10. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
11. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
12. Dizionario di Storia
13. Sejm-Wielki.pl