rogneda
Rogneda of Polotsk

Rogneda of Polotsk – A conquered bride

Most of the Grand Princess consorts of Kyiv have had very little about them written down. One of them who we have more biographical details about is Rogneda of Polotsk, the main pagan wife of Vladimir the Great. Early Life and Background Rogneda was probably born in the early 960s. Her father was Rogvolod, the [read more]

judith evreux
Judith of Evreux

Judith of Evreux – A Norman in Sicily

In the mid-eleventh century, many Norman mercenaries arrived in southern Italy and began to take it from Byzantine control. Among them were the Hauteville family. Although minor nobles back in Normandy, they would soon rule over all of southern Italy. The Hautevilles continued to intermarry with other Normans who accompanied them. One of these first [read more]