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Tancred of Lecce

Type Figure Region Sicily Time c. 1138–1194 Also known as Tancred of Lecce、Tancred of Sicily、Tankred von Lecce

A Norman Hauteville cadet branch member and grandson of Roger II, he held the Sicilian throne from 1189 to 1194 after William II's death, resisting C…

Timeline

  1. c. 1138–1189Lecce · ApuliaGrandson of Roger II and illegitimate son of Roger, Duke of Apulia, he was active in southern Italy for many years, holding the titles Count of Lecce and Prince of Bari, and was an important vassal and military figure under William II.
  2. 1189–1190Palermo · SicilyAfter William II died without an heir in 1189, Tancred seized the throne with the support of some nobles and the Church, was crowned at Palermo in 1190, refused to recognize Constance's claim to the succession, and imprisoned her.
  3. 1190–1194Palermo · SicilyThroughout the 1190s he faced prolonged confrontation with Henry VI and the papacy over Constance's succession; after Henry's failed invasion of Sicily in 1191 Tancred temporarily stabilized the situation; in 1190 he paid an indemnity to Richard I in exchange for recognition of his kingship, and the kingdom remained under internal and external pressure until his death in 1194.

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