Delvestius
Banned
The Ultimatum of Migano
How Italy was united by the Normans
Migano, Capua - July 25th, 1139
His Holiness wiped the sweat from his brow as he stood under the canopy. He told himself it was only the heat, but deep down he knew there was something more. Three days ago, a force of one thousand knights loyal to Count Roger II of Sicily ambushed Papal forces at Galluccio, and Pope Innocent II, along with the remainder of his host was captured and marched to the town of Migano. I’m worrying about nothing. I am Innocent II, the holiest man in Christendom… Nobody can defy me. He nodded at the thought, and His Holiness’ mood brightened a little. Besides, the bastard hasn’t beaten me yet… He has god to answer to.
Roger approached the canopy with his friend George of Antioch at his side. His Holiness looked up and stared at the count. “Fetch me some whine,” he called to a servant boy, who quickly brought a flagon of fine red.
The count motioned one of his own servants for the same. “Ranulf’s1 wine cellars were quite impressive. Well stocked with many vintages.” His Holiness looked up slowly, sipping his pungent brew.
“God rewards those who are faithful,” he said as he set the empty chalice on the table. “You however, you no longer have your pretender to hide behind2; I am again the undisputed voice of Christ in this world. I must only say the world, and legions of true Christendom will be rallied under my banner to end your false rule.”
“Perhaps, if they weren’t all killing each other already. Your Excellency doesn’t seem to be in a position for such talk, I suggest you consider your perception of the situation.”
Surely, he won’t harm me… God will not allow it. “You have proven yourself resourceful on the battlefield, this I cannot deny. I am prepared to bless your rule and make you king of Sicily, Duke of Apulia and Prince of Capua. Surely, this is an agreeable offer3!” Roger took a seat and stared at His Holiness.
“Frankly, your offer offends me.” he said flatly, as he drank from a chalice of his own.
“Why, you ingrate! You should be kissing my feet and thanking Christ that I don’t excommunicate you right now!”
“The Duchy of Spoleto must be considered part of my realm, as well as Ancona, up to Old Romagna.”
His Holiness couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “This… This is an outrage! King Conrad will never allow it!”
“He will if you grant them to me. Conrad forgot about these lands four years ago when he was Crowned the German King. Besides which, you can be sure that we will check the Venetians, if they forget themselves. You can be very sure of that."
Innocent knew the game Roger was playing. “You leave me no choice… Though I cannot promise the loyalty of the people in the realms you insist I concede to you, nor the cooperation of their lords. I do not imagine the Duke of Bavaria will take kindly to the loss of Spoleta.”
“The Duke has other concerns closer to home, I'm sure. My Admiral George will replace him as Viceroy until a suitable choice can be made
Code:
“Are these your terms then?”
“There is one more thing,” said Rodger, who stared at Innocent. “The territory of the Patrimonium will need to be slightly… diminished, unless you have any objections. Though I am fairly certain the walls of St. Peter were not built for sieges."
1 - Ranulf, the Duke of Apulia, died in 1139. Rodger quickly captured the province, which was followed by the attack by the pope that resulted in his capture.
2 - It was in fact Anacletus II the Antipope who crowned Rodger king of Sicily in 1130.
3 - These were the OTL terms of the Treaty of Migano
***
Taking advantage of the lack of central Imperial authority in Italy, Rodger called Innocent's bluff and established a large Norman state, much of which had been previously part of the Papal States. With the pope's blessing of Rodger's new kingdom, King Conrad III agreed to relinquish the various fiefs of southern Italy, including Capua, Apulia, Spolento and Romagna. Rodger's sons Rodger III and Alfonso became the Duke of Apulia and the Prince of Capua respectively, while Admiral George of Antioch was given Spoleta until a new lord could be chosen. The cities of Romagna elected the Mayor of Ravenna to be duke.
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