Adelaide del Vasto

Adelaide del Vasto, born around 1075, was a prominent figure in medieval Sicily, serving as the countess and later as queen consort of Jerusalem. As the third wife of Roger I of Sicily, she played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during her regency from 1101 to 1112 for her son, Roger II of Sicily.

Her reign was marked by significant transitions in Sicilian identity, occurring between the rule of various Arabian dynasties and the establishment of the Kingdom of Sicily. Adelaide adeptly navigated the economic and social upheavals that accompanied the Norman conquest, addressing numerous rebellions and societal tensions with remarkable decisiveness.

Born to Manfred del Vasto, she was part of a noble lineage that included her paternal grandparents, Teto II del Vasto and Bertha of Turin, the daughter of margrave Ulric Manfred II of Turin. This heritage positioned her within a powerful network of aristocracy, influencing her capabilities as a ruler and patron of the arts.