[9][10][11] Hiallt, however, is probably just a legendary eponymous ancestor: the Latin form of Hauteville, Altavilla, simply means "high estate".

Drogo was succeeded by another brother, Humphrey, who in 1053 defeated Pope Leo IX in the Battle of Civitate, strengthening the Hautevilles’ power.

In 1059, Robert was made the first Duke of Apulia and Calabria, and also Lord of Sicily, by Pope Nicholas II.

Together with his younger brother, Roger I, he started the to conquer Sicily, at the time occupied by the Saracens.

Through the actions of his admiral George of Antioch, Roger also proceeded to conquer the Mahdia, taling the unofficial title of “King of Africa”.

His nickname derives primarily from his lack of popularity within the chroniclers, who supported the baronial revolts that William crushed.

William's only legitimate heir was his aunt Constance, but she had married Emperor Henry VI, and Sicilian officials didn't want a German ruler.

Bohemond's nephew, Tancred, also had luck in carving the Principality of Galilee, a vassal fief of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

The Domesday Book, written in 1086, records that a certain Aluericus Halsvilla had previously held lands in Compton Martin, in the County of Somerset.