Dive into the captivating world of the Normans, the formidable Northmen who, with their ships, carved out empires and left lasting legacies across Europe. In these eight insightful lectures delivered in Boston in 1915, esteemed Harvard medievalist Charles Homer Haskins explores the remarkable achievements of these Viking descendants. From the bold conquests of William the Conqueror and the reign of Henry II to the storied lives of Richard the Lion-Hearted and the unfortunate King John, Haskins paints a vivid picture of the Normans transformation into influential rulers of France, England, and Sicily. Discover how they established a Kingdom of Sicily known for its religious tolerance and innovative Saracen bureaucracy, and appreciate the artistic legacy captured in the iconic Bayeux Tapestry. (summary by Pamela Nagami)