'The Robert was Norman by birth, of obscure origins, with an overbearing character and a thoroughly villainous mind: he was a brave fighter, very cunning in his assaults on the wealth and power of great men; in achieving his aims absolutely, diverting criticism by inconvertible argument. He was a man of immense stature, surpassing even the biggest men; he had ruddy complexion, fair hair, broad shoulders, eyes that all but shot out sparks of fire. In a well-built man one looks for breadth here and slimness there, in him all was admirably well-proportioned and elegant.'

Guiscard went on to become Duke of Apulia and Calabria and Duke of Sicily and Prince of Benevento.