Guillaume Bras-de-Fer Count of Apulia elected by the Normans Date of Birth: 01.01.1010

1. Early Life and Arrival in Southern Italy
2. Military Campaigns and Rise to Prominence
3. Emergence as a Leader
4. Election as Count of Apulia
5. War with the Byzantines and Later Years

Early Life and Arrival in Southern Italy

William of Hauteville, the eldest son of Norman baron Tancred of Hauteville, was born around the year 1010. In approximately 1035, he embarked on a journey to Southern Italy with his younger brother Drogo and possibly another brother, Humphrey. They joined a Norman military group led by Rainulf Drengot.

Military Campaigns and Rise to Prominence

William served under Pandulf IV, Prince of Capua, before switching allegiance to Guaimar IV, Prince of Salerno. In 1038, he joined a Byzantine expedition to Sicily led by George Maniakes with 300 Norman warriors. During the campaign, he distinguished himself in battle and gained the nickname "Iron Arm" for killing the emir of Syracuse in single combat.

Emergence as a Leader

After a falling out with Maniakes, the Normans and their Lombard commander Arduin returned to the mainland in 1040. Arduin gained control of the mountain fortress of Melfi from the Byzantine governor and later defected to the rebels in March 1041.

The Normans inflicted a series of defeats on the Byzantines, leading to the capture of the governor. Under William's leadership, they gained control of most of Apulia.

Election as Count of Apulia

Amidst internal divisions, the Normans elected William as their leader at an assembly in Melfi in September 1042. To legitimize his authority, William sought the support of Guaimar IV, who agreed to rule as duke over the liberated territories.

William was granted the title of Count of Apulia with the right to establish baronies on conquered lands. He married Guita of Sorrento, niece of Guaimar IV, forging an alliance with the Lombard aristocracy.

War with the Byzantines and Later Years

William's war against the Byzantines continued with varying fortunes. In 1044, he and Guaimar IV established the castle of Stridula in Calabria, a strategic base for their conquest of the region. However, in 1045, William suffered a defeat against Byzantine governor Argyrus.

William died in early 1046, and his brother Drogo was recognized as his successor. Drogo made a vassalage pact with Emperor Henry III in 1047, legitimizing William's earlier claim to the title of count and establishing the Norman rule in Southern Italy as an imperial fief.