War and Peace

The Normans Conquerors in Italy in the 11th and 12th Century

The exhibition dedicated to the Norman conquerors in Italy during the 11th and 12th centuries offers a vibrant immersion into this historical epic, tracing the journey of these adventurers who left the region of Coutances to establish themselves in Southern Italy and Sicily.

Designed to make history accessible and tangible, it combines archaeological objects, illustrated reconstructions, staged scenes, and manipulable elements in a narrative and sensory journey.

Items from the Museum of Normandy in Caen, such as spurs, sword fragments, pottery, and children's games, illustrate life in Normandy in the 11th century and evoke the education of the sons of small lords, like those of Tancred of Hauteville, who were trained early in the handling of weapons and the art of combat. This training partly explains their engagement as mercenaries in a fragmented Italy, where their military skills were particularly sought after.

The exhibition then outlines their rise, marked by decisive confrontations like the Battle of Civitate, but also by alliances, political strategies, and rivalries, particularly between Robert Guiscard and his brother Roger. The major figures of this conquest come to life through reconstructions at a 1:1 scale, created with a focus on historical accuracy, also including female figures who contributed to this story.

The journey continues in Sicily, at the court of Roger II, where a society rich with various influences from the Mediterranean world is revealed. The architectural achievements, along with the display of remarkable reproductions like the coronation cloak of Roger II or the world map created by the geographer al-Idrîsî, testify to the cultural and political prominence of this court.

The entirety of the visit is based on an immersive approach, incorporating a sound creation evoking the linguistic diversity of medieval Sicily, as well as devices allowing visitors to manipulate military equipment to better understand the daily lives of warriors.

Dedicated spaces enhance the experience, with activities for young audiences around construction and drawing, as well as a projection area providing additional insights into this period, offering both an educational and sensitive discovery of this Norman adventure.

Practical Information:
General Public
Free
Translation available in Italian

Cooperation France / Southern Italy
Partnerships: Center for Ancient and Medieval Archaeological and Historical Research (CRAHAM) and University of Picardy