DUCHY OF APULIA Meaning and
Definition
-
The Duchy of Apulia refers to a historical territory that emerged during the Middle Ages in what is now known as southern Italy. It was a duchy that encompassed the region of Apulia, which mostly corresponds to the heel of the Italian peninsula. The term "duchy" signifies a territory governed by a duke.
The Duchy of Apulia came into existence in the 10th century when the Lombards, a Germanic people, established their dominion in the southern part of Italy. The Lombard rulers, known as the Dukes of Apulia, wielded their power over the region and became key figures in the complex political landscape of the time.
The duchy expanded its influence over neighboring territories, including Calabria and Capitanata, and became a significant power within the southern Italian states. It played a prominent role in the Norman conquest of southern Italy, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Sicily.
The Duchy of Apulia remained an important political entity until the 12th century when it was absorbed into the Kingdom of Sicily. The duchy's existence reflects a critical phase in Italian history, characterized by the struggles for power and influence among various regional lords, as well as the constant interactions and conflicts between different ethnic and cultural groups in the area.
