The Mantle of Roger II: Arab-Islamic Cultural Legacy in Sicily since the 9th Century

This study explores the Islamic cultural heritage of Sicily, with a particular focus on the coronation mantle of Roger II as a symbol of cultural hybridization and coexistence in 12th-century Sicily. From 827 to 1246, Arab-Islamic culture significantly influenced the island, both directly and indirectly. During this period, Arab Muslims made notable contributions to various domains, including art, architecture, agriculture, and cuisine, shaping the cultural landscape of Sicily under the Norman dynasty. Roger II's coronation mantle exemplifies the fusion of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine elements, serving as a tangible representation of the cultural diversity, integration, and coexistence that characterized the era. This study examines the introduction and expansion of Islam in Sicily from the 8th to the 11th centuries and its enduring influence during the Norman Kingdom from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Through an analysis of Roger II's coronation mantle, it highlights specific instances of cultural hybridization across different spheres.This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the 400-year history of Islam in Sicily, tracing its legacy from the 9th century and offering insights into its profound and lasting impact on the island’s cultural and historical development.