# Simon of Sicily

> Grand Count of Sicily (1093 – 1105)

**Wikidata**: [Q367439](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q367439)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_of_Sicily)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/simon-of-sicily

## Summary
Simon of Sicily was the Grand Count of Sicily from 1093 until his death in 1105, serving as a sovereign ruler of the Norman County of Sicily. A member of the Hauteville family, he played a key role in maintaining Norman governance over Sicily, Malta, and parts of Calabria during his reign.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1093 (exact date and place unknown)  
- **Nationality**: Norman (associated with the County of Sicily)  
- **Known for**: Ruling the Norman County of Sicily from 1093 to 1105  
- **Employer(s)**: County of Sicily (as sovereign ruler)  
- **Field(s)**: Governance, politics  

## Contributions
Simon of Sicily led the Norman County of Sicily for over a decade, overseeing its territories, which included Sicily, Malta, and parts of Calabria. His governance contributed to the continuity of Norman rule in the region, a period marked by the consolidation of power that later evolved into the Kingdom of Sicily in 1130.

## FAQs
**Q: What titles did Simon of Sicily hold?**  
A: He was known as the Grand Count of Sicily and held aliases such as Simon de Hauteville and Simone d’Altavilla, reflecting his Norman lineage.  

**Q: When did Simon of Sicily rule?**  
A: He reigned from 1093 until his death on September 28, 1105.  

**Q: What territories did he govern?**  
A: His rule encompassed the Norman County of Sicily, including the islands of Sicily and Malta, as well as parts of Calabria.  

**Q: Why is his reign notable?**  
A: His leadership maintained Norman control in the region, part of the broader Hauteville dynasty’s influence in Southern Italy.  

## Why They Matter
Simon of Sicily’s reign ensured the stability of Norman governance in Sicily during a critical period of Mediterranean history. As a member of the Hauteville family, his rule was part of a legacy that shaped the political and cultural landscape of Southern Italy, laying groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of Sicily. Without his stewardship, the Norman consolidation of power in the region might have faced greater challenges, potentially altering the trajectory of medieval European politics.

## Notable For
- Ruling as Grand Count of Sicily (1093–1105) during the Norman domination of Southern Italy.  
- Being part of the influential Hauteville (Altavilla) family, a key dynasty in medieval European history.  
- Governing a strategic territory that included Sicily, Malta, and Calabria.  
- Holding multiple name variants (e.g., Simon de Hauteville, Simone di Sicilia) reflecting his Norman heritage.  

## Body
### Reign and Governance  
Simon of Sicily ascended to power in 1093 as the Grand Count of Sicily, a title held until his death on September 28, 1105. The County of Sicily, established in 1071, was a Norman state that encompassed Sicily, Malta, and parts of Calabria. As its ruler, Simon oversaw the administration of these territories, continuing the Norman legacy of his predecessors.  

### Lineage and Legacy  
A member of the Hauteville family (also known as Altavilla), Simon’s aliases—such as Simon de Hauteville and Simone d’Altavilla—highlight his ties to this prominent Norman dynasty. The Hautevilles were instrumental in the Norman conquest of Southern Italy and Sicily, and Simon’s rule exemplified their enduring influence.  

### Historical Context  
The County of Sicily, which Simon governed, was a precursor to the Kingdom of Sicily, formally established in 1130. While Simon’s reign preceded this transition, his leadership contributed to the institutional and territorial framework that later supported the kingdom’s creation.  

### Documentation and Identification  
Simon is documented in historical records under multiple identifiers, including Wikidata entry Q82955 and alternate names such as Simone di Sicilia. These variations reflect both his regional governance and his Norman lineage, underscoring his role as a sovereign within the medieval European political landscape.  

### Territorial Scope  
The territories under Simon’s rule—Sicily, Malta, and Calabria—were strategically significant, serving as cultural and economic crossroads in the Mediterranean. His governance over these areas reinforced Norman dominance in a region shaped by Arab, Byzantine, and Italian influences.  

### Conclusion of Reign  
Simon’s death in 1105 marked the end of his tenure as Grand Count. His legacy is intertwined with the broader narrative of Norman rule in Sicily, a period that fostered unique cultural synthesis and centralized governance, leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s history.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Sejm-Wielki.pl
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013