The Treaty of Devoll was not concluded on February 27, 1147. It was actually concluded much earlier, in the year 1108. Here’s a brief overview of the context and significance of the Treaty of Devoll:

Background and Context

The Treaty of Devoll was a significant diplomatic accord between the Byzantine Empire and the Norman Kingdom of Sicily. The agreement followed a prolonged series of military confrontations between these two ambitious powers in the central Mediterranean region. The Byzantine Empire, seeking to reassert its dominance in Southern Italy, encountered strong resistance from the Normans, who had established a foothold there in the previous decades.

Key Provisions

• Norman Control: The treaty confirmed Norman control over the territories in Southern Italy, which the Normans had effectively governed since their conquests in the 11th century.
• Byzantine Sovereignty: In return, the Normans recognized Byzantine sovereignty over vast areas on the eastern Adriatic coast, including Dalmatia, parts of Croatia, and Bosnia.

Significance

This treaty was instrumental in delineating the spheres of influence in Southern Europe. It marked an era of relative peace between the two powers, allowing the Byzantine Empire to focus on other pressing matters, such as the defense against Seljuk Turks and internal consolidation. Conversely, the Normans could solidify their rule in Southern Italy and turn their attention to the expansion of their influence elsewhere.

The Treaty of Devoll thus epitomized the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Western European powers and the Byzantine Empire, highlighting diplomatic strategies that prevented further immediate conflict and maintained a delicate balance of power in the region.