Normans in Antioch

The Normans were a group of people originally from Scandinavia who settled in what is now northern France. In the 11th century, they expanded their influence into southern Italy and the Mediterranean region, including Antioch, a major city in modern-day Turkey. Following the First Crusade, which began in 1096, the Normans captured Antioch in 1098, establishing it as a crucial stronghold for the Crusaders. Their conquest was significant for controlling trade routes and connecting Europe with the Middle East, influencing culture and politics in the region while fostering a blend of Eastern and Western traditions.