The Catalogus Baronum and the recruitment and administration of the armies of the Norman kingdom of Sicily: A re-examination

Abstract

The Catalogus Baronum has long been overlooked in the corpus of texts relating to the Norman period of south Italy due to its chaotic nature and the difficulties of obtaining information from it. Seeking to rectify this situation, this article re-evaluates the current conclusions drawn from the Catalogus by academics such as Jamison using data derived from a statistical analysis of the document. By abandoning a rigidly 'feudal' interpretation of the document new areas of research are opened up. Additionally, it offers new theories on the use and nature of the Catalogus, informed by this research and approach. Copyright © 2012 Institute of Historical Research.