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Norman Expedition to Mahdia
In 1087 Roger I of Sicily led a major sea expedition raiding Mahdia, capital of the Zirids in North Africa, seizing plunder and forcing the Zirid emi…
Timeline
- 1087Sicily · SicilyRoger I, with the call of Pope Victor III and South Italian Norman nobles, assembled a fleet in Sicily and Messina, ostensibly to avenge Zirid raids on the Italian coast, preparing a cross-sea expedition.
- 1087Mahdia · TunisiaThe Norman fleet reached the Tunisian coast and landed near Mahdia. The coalition burned suburban settlements and plundered warehouses, applying military pressure on the Zirid capital, whose garrison held fast within the walls.
- 1087Mahdia · TunisiaAfter seizing abundant plunder and captives, the expeditionary force withdrew to Sicily. The Zirid emir was forced to negotiate peace with the Normans and promise tribute; the threat to Italy from the North African coast was temporarily eased, and Norman maritime dominance was displayed.
Sources
- The Kingdom in the Sun, 1130-1194 — John Julius Norwich (1970)
- The Norman Kingdom of Sicily — Donald Matthew (1992)