Meanwhile, Lothair's contemplated attack upon Roger had gained the backing of the Republic of Pisa, the Republic of Genoa, and the Byzantine emperor John II, each of whom feared the growth of a powerful Norman kingdom. A Pisan fleet led by the exiled prince of Capua dropped anchor off Naples in 1135. Ranulf joined Robert and Sergius there, encouraged by news coming from Sicily that Roger was fatally ill or even already dead. The important fortress of Aversa, among others, passed to the rebels and only Capua resisted, under the royal chancellor, Guarin. On 5 June, however, Roger disembarked in Salerno, much to the surprise of all the mainland provinces. The royal army, split into several forces, easily conquered Aversa and even Alife, the base of the natural rebel leader, Ranulf. Most of the rebels took refuge in Naples, which was besieged in July, but despite poor health conditions within the city, Roger was unable to take it, and returned to Messina late in the year.
Meanwhile Lothair's contemplated attack upon Roger had gained the backing of the Republic of Pisa the Republic of Genoa and the Byzantine emperor John II each of whom feared the growth of a powerful Norman kingdom A Pisan fleet led by the exiled prince of Capua dropped anchor off Naples in 1135 Ranulf joined Robert and Sergius there encouraged by news coming from Sicily that Roger was fatally ill or even already dead The important fortress of Aversa among others passed to the rebels and only Capua resisted under the royal chancellor Guarin On 5 June however Roger disembarked in Salerno much to the surprise of all the mainland provinces The royal army split into several forces easily conquered Aversa and even Alife the base of the natural rebel leader Ranulf Most of the rebels took refuge in Naples which was besieged in July but despite poor health conditions within the city Roger was unable to take it and returned to Messina late in the year