The Norman kings of Africa
HistoryExtra podcast
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Is There a Lot of Communication and Transport Between Sicily and North Africa?
Sicily and parts of southern italy, as already noted, are under islamic rule. When the norman presence is first established, they are under the authority of the calbid amirs. So we have these dynasties that are largely independent under the overlordship of fatimid calpate. There's a very intense trade between these regions. And perhaps most crucially, north africa is dependent upon grain supplies from sicily. The grain shipments to north africa make them considerable profits. They seem happy, in the short term at least, to continue with business as usual.
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