<p>In 1061 a band of Norman knights arrived in <a href="https://www.esplora.co.uk/destinations/sicily/">Sicily</a> and within 10 years, the island was under their rule. Journalist Ros Belford talks to Sicily-specialist Damian Croft and asks him just how the Normans achieved this astonishing conquest.</p>

In 1061 a band of Norman knights arrived in Sicily and within 10 years, the island was under their rule. They were to remain in power less than a hundred and twenty years, and yet their reign is one of the most celebrated in Sicilian history. Journalist Ros Belford talks to Sicily-specialist Damian Croft and asks him just how the Normans achieved this astonishing conquest.