Revision Topic Sheet 4b: Gregory VII and the Normans

Question 1

What was Gregory’s relationship with the Normans?

Answer 1

• He received fealty (loyalty) from Robert Guiscard in 1073, one of the more powerful Norman princes. Despite this, he refused to be limited by Gregory’s ideals and attacked Prince Landulf VI of Benevento in 1074 despite him having signed a peace treaty with Gregory in 1073.
• Gregory excommunicated Robert for this but tried to reconcile in 1075 after the conflict with Henry IV, but Robert ignored this and invaded another one of Gregory’s allies in Salerno in 1076 - his death in 1078 allowed for reconciliation.

Question 2

How did Gregory initially relate with the Byzantines?

Answer 2

Emperor Michael VIII welcomed his ideas.

Question 3

How did this relationship suffer?

Answer 3

The deposition of Michael VIII made it more difficult for Gregory VIII to unite the churches - leading to Robert Guiscard trying to capture Byzantine territories upon hearing about Alexios’ coronation.

Question 4

How was Gregory exiled?

Answer 4

The Norman army sacked and burnt Rome during the Battle of Weizilo when Clement III was fighting Robert Guiscard, making it impossible for him to remain in the city.

Question 5

What was the significance of the Norman alliances?

Answer 5

• Moral support against Henry IV
• Secured Gregory’s southern borders
• Conquest of Sicily allowed them to establish a Roman Church there.