Sicilian Assises, Treaties and Declarations

Question 1

What was the Treaty of Mignano (1139)?

Answer 1

A treaty where Pope Innocent II recognized Roger II’s title as King of Sicily, ending papal opposition to Norman rule.

Question 2

What treaty ended Angevin do
mination in Sicily following the Sicilian Vespers?

Answer 2

The Peace of Caltabellotta (1302), which divided Sicily between the House of Anjou (mainland) and the Crown of Aragon (island).

Question 3

What was the significance of the Battle of Benevento (1266)?

Answer 3

It marked the end of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in Sicily, Manfred and established Angevin rule under Charles of Anjou.

Question 4

What was the Treaty of San Germano (1230)?

Answer 4

An agreement between Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX temporarily resolving their conflict and confirming Frederick’s control over Sicily.

Question 5

What role did the Sicilian Vespers (1282) play in succession crises?

Answer 5

It was a rebellion against Angevin rule, leading to the establishment of the Aragonese dynasty in Sicily.

Question 6

What was the impact of the Sicilian Vespers on European politics?

Answer 6

Sparked a power struggle between Aragon, France, and the papacy.

Question 7

Why did the Kingdom of Sicily split into two entities?

Answer 7

The Treaty of Caltabellotta in 1302 divided it into the “Kingdom of Naples” and the “Kingdom of Trinacria.” Together they became the Kingdom beyond the Lighthouse - or the Kingdom of two Sicilies.

Question 8

What was the Treaty of Benevento (1156)?

Answer 8

An agreement between King William I of Sicily - (through Maio of Bari and Hugh of Palemo) and Pope Adrian IV, confirming Norman control of Southern Italy in exchange for tribute and loyalty to the papacy.

Question 9

What was the Treaty of Venice (1177)?

Answer 9

An agreement where Sicily played a minor role, marking peace between Frederick Barbarossa, the Lombard League, and the papacy, indirectly affecting Sicilian politics.

Question 10

What was the Battle of Civitate (1053)?

Answer 10

A Norman victory over the papal forces that established Norman dominance in Southern Italy.

Question 11

What was the Treaty of San Germano (1230)?

Answer 11

A truce between Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX that ended hostilities and allowed Frederick to retain Sicily under papal suzerainty.

Question 12

What was the Sicilian Vespers (1282)?

Answer 12

A rebellion against Angevin rule that sparked a war between the Angevins and Aragonese for control of Sicily.

Question 13

What was the Battle of Benevento (1266)?

Answer 13

A decisive battle where Charles of Anjou defeated Manfred, ending Hohenstaufen rule in Sicily.

Question 14

What conflict arose from Frederick II’s Crusade?

Answer 14

The Sixth Crusade (1228–1229), during which Frederick II negotiated the Treaty of Jaffa, with Ayyubid Sultan al-Kamilto reclaim Jerusalem for ten years - but this angered the papacy.

Question 15

What war led to the Hohenstaufen conquest of Sicily?

Answer 15

The German-Sicilian War (1194), where Henry VI invaded Sicily, claiming the throne through his marriage to Constance.

Question 16

What was the content of the Papal Bull Quia Maior (1213)?

Answer 16

Pope Innocent III called for the Fifth Crusade, indirectly involving Frederick II as King of Sicily.

Question 17

What was the significance of the Papal Bull Licet iuxta doctrinam (1239)?

Answer 17

Pope Gregory IX excommunicated Frederick II, intensifying the conflict between the Empire and the papacy.

Question 18

Which bull legitimized Roger II’s kingship?

Answer 18

Legatio Apostolica (1130) issued by Antipope Anacletus II.

Question 19

What was Ad Abolendam (1184)?

Answer 19

A papal bull targeting heresies that influenced Sicilian policies on religious conformity under the Normans.

Question 20

How did Vinea Domini (1245) impact Frederick II?

Answer 20

It was the bull of excommunication issued by Pope Innocent IV, justifying his opposition to Frederick.

Question 21

What was the significance of the Constitutions of Melfi (1231)?

Answer 21

A legal code issued by Frederick II that restructured Sicilian administration, emphasizing royal authority and limiting feudal power.

Question 22

What were the Assizes of Ariano (1140)?

Answer 22

A set of laws issued by Roger II that centralized royal authority and unified Norman territories under one legal system.

Question 23

How did the Constitutions address religious minorities?

Answer 23

They offered protection to Muslims and Jews in Sicily, promoting coexistence under royal control.

Question 24

What were the implications of the Treaty of Lyon (1245)?

Answer 24

It confirmed papal support for Charles of Anjou’s claim to Sicily, opposing the Hohenstaufens.

Question 25

What was the impact of Frederick II’s scientific legislation?

Answer 25

It supported the translation of Arabic and Greek texts, advancing scientific knowledge in Sicily.

Question 26

What was the role of the University of Naples (founded 1224)?

Answer 26

Established by Frederick II, it trained bureaucrats to support centralized governance in Sicily.

Question 27

Why was the Edict of Foggia (1254) significant?

Answer 27

It proclaimed Manfred as ruler but antagonized papal authorities, leading to Angevin intervention.

Question 28

How did Sicilian legislation address the military?

Answer 28

The Constitutions of Melfi codified military service requirements for vassals, strengthening royal forces.

Question 29

What was the impact of Angevin financial policies on Sicily?

Answer 29

Heavy taxation under Charles of Anjou sparked discontent, contributing to the Sicilian Vespers.

Question 30

How did Frederick II use legislation to undermine baronial power?

Answer 30

He outlawed private armies and castles, consolidating military control under the crown.

Question 31

What was the impact of the Treaty of Caltabellotta on governance?

Answer 31

It established Aragonese rule in Sicily, ending Angevin dominance.