Norman forces under Hauteville (Roger I) of Sicily capture the city of Palermo, a major Arab cultural and economic hub, on January 10, 1072 after a five-month siege. The victory severely weakened the Muslim power in Western Sicily and it went on to become the capital of the emerging County of Sicily, paving the way for the later Kingdom of Sicily.
The Normans adopted a policy of relative tolerance, which allowed the Palermo residents to retain their property and follow their faith, leading to a unique blend of Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic cultures.
