William Iron Arm was a Norman knight then count who fought in Italy and Sicily.

William Iron Arm was a Norman knight then count who fought in Italy and Sicily. He was even bigger than most of his peers and arrogant in a way that we have forgotten is useful.

At one point the Byzantines sent a herald/messenger to threaten him and his men. As a demonstration more powerful than words he swung his mailed fist and killed the messengers horse dead with a single blow. Gave the messenger a new horse and sent him on his way.

No words could have had equal meaning.