Roger II of Sicily

Roger II of Sicily's ritual coronation on December 25, 1130, and its symbolic representation in the Martorana Church mosaic, reveal a strategic blend of tradition, multiculturalism, and Christocentric imagery. This analysis demonstrates how Roger II leveraged visual language—comprehensible across Arab, Norman, Greek, and Latin cultures—to legitimize his monarchy while reflecting his inclusive governance. The study highlights his respect for Muslim subjects and assimilation of diverse cultural traditions, setting a precedent for the universalist politics of his grandson Frederick II. By examining historical sources and iconography, this research underscores Sicily's unique heritage as a multicultural and multiethnic kingdom.

(Ed.). (2020). Roger II of Sicily. Medieval Self-Coronations, 175–195. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108879279.009