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Roger IV, Duke of Apulia

1152 – 1161

Italo-Norman duke and Sicilian prince

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About Roger IV, Duke of Apulia

Lived 1152 – 1161 (aged 8–9). Roger IV, Duke of Apulia was an Italian.

Roger IV (1152–1161) was the eldest son of William I of Sicily and Margaret of Navarre. Twice in his short life he was the object of the barons' intent to replace his father as king. When he was made duke of Apulia is unknown, probably after his father's assumption of power in 1154.

In 1156, barons opposed to Maio of Bari began to consider removing not only the emir, but also the king, and putting Roger on the throne. Since Roger was a minor, the barons would be free from meaningful royal control. In 1161, after the successful assassination of Maio, the rebels paraded Roger through the streets, announcing his succession and heralding his coming coronation in the Cathedral of Palermo. However, the populace instead supported the succession claims of Simon, erstwhile Prince of Taranto, the king's illegitimate half-brother. The people rebelled and the palace was stormed. In the ensuing battle, young Roger was killed by a wayward arrow to the eye. An alternative theory, advanced by William's enemy Falcandus, is that Roger died after repeated kicking by his father, who was in a rage at having been betrayed by his son.

Roger was interred in the cathedral with his brother Henry, Prince of Capua, but later he was moved to the chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene in Monreale.

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Important facts

Born
1152, Kingdom of Sicily
Birth century
Died
1161, Palermo
Nationality
Positions held
Duke
Also known as
Ruggero di Sicilia, Duca di Puglia

People in Roger IV, Duke of Apulia's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Frequently asked questions

Who was Roger IV, Duke of Apulia?

Italo-Norman duke and Sicilian prince

When was Roger IV, Duke of Apulia born?

Roger IV, Duke of Apulia was born in 1152 in Kingdom of Sicily.

When did Roger IV, Duke of Apulia die?

Roger IV, Duke of Apulia died in 1161 in Palermo.

What nationality was Roger IV, Duke of Apulia?

Roger IV, Duke of Apulia was Italian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Roger IV, Duke of Apulia

· Wikidata: Q2109650

· DBpedia: Roger IV of Apulia

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Roger IV, Duke of Apulia. https://biography.guide/roger-iv-duke-of-apulia/

MLA: "Roger IV, Duke of Apulia." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/roger-iv-duke-of-apulia/.

Chicago: "Roger IV, Duke of Apulia." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/roger-iv-duke-of-apulia/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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