At its greatest extent, Norman Sicily controlled Malta, southern Italy, Corfu, and important stretches of the North African coast. In 1148 George captured a Mahdian vessel carrying homing pigeons and used them to send deceptive news that his fleet was bound for Byzantium. Mahdia was caught unprepared, and the attackers were given two hours to plunder before Roger's protections took effect. The conquerors then lent money to merchants, distributed food, and appointed acceptable judges to encourage refugees, order, and commerce to return.
Chapter · 41:46-46:09
The Kingdom of Africa and the carrier-pigeon deception at Mahdia
George exploits captured carrier pigeons to misdirect Mahdia, then pairs conquest with measures intended to restore trade and order.