The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Robert Guiscard
Also known as Robert de Hauteville, Robert Wiscard, Robert of Hauteville
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 5
There's something almost elemental about this Norman with his flaxen hair and ruddy complexion, a man whose very presence seems to challenge the established order. His sparkling eyes hold both the cunning of a born leader and the restless energy of one who sees kingdoms as prizes to be won. When he speaks, his powerful voice carries the authority of one who has conquered through sheer force of will.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult during Norman conquests
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 5
- Books
- 1
Robert Guiscard began as the sixth son of Tancred de Hauteville, a Norman warrior who rose from French baron to become Duke of Apulia through conquest and papal investiture. He conquered Calabria and Apulia, invaded the Byzantine empire, and besieged Durazzo while simultaneously facing threats from Emperor Henry. Known as both deliverer and scourge of Rome, he died of disease in his seventieth year, leaving behind his son Bohemond and a legacy as one of the most formidable Norman conquerors of his age.
Description
A tall and strong Norman warrior with flaxen hair and beard framing a ruddy complexion, broad shoulders supporting a powerful frame, and sparkling eyes that convey both intelligence and martial prowess. His voice carries remarkable power and authority. He wears the distinguished attire of a French baron combined with the practical elements of Norman military command, projecting the purest and most ancient nobility while maintaining the bearing of one who has resisted authority and carved kingdoms from conquered lands.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
Meet Robert Guiscard in Bookworm
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