Focus is the kingdom founded by Roger II Hauteville in 1130 through the Hohenstaufen era ending in 1266, to the division of this state into the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily in 1282. Allied studies are the polities/societies ruled by the Muslims (Aghlabids, Fatimids, Kalbids), Normans, Lombards and Byzantine Greeks in southern Italy before 1130.

Membership in the group is open to interested scholars regardless of institutional affiliation, nationality or academic degree, but the working language is English.