I've been in NES's for a while, but I've rarely bothered to stick with one. Hopefully I'll do better on this one!
The Military of the Kingdom of Sicily:
Sicily shortly after its formation was chiefly a maritime power. Being an island, a strong navy would eliminate the need for a large army. As with many of its features, Sicily took the basis of its navy and army from the Byzantine Empire it had rebelled from, although adjusted, since the island nation was far smaller. A standing navy was stationed in the capital of Syracuse, with smaller fleets in other cities, such as Palermo and Messina. The navy consisted primarily of light dromons. The Kingdom focused its navy on speed, rather than power, to counteract the Arab's threatening, fast-moving galleys.
A typical Sicilian dromon, with one row of oars.
The army had more of a departure from Byzantine methods, owing to the island's geography and surroundings. Heavy cavalry were not as useful or practical in naval invasions, and their defensive ability could not compare to a cost-similar infantry formation. Defense was key in the Sicilian army. Most Sicilian infantry were outfitted with two javelins, about three feet long, a spear, about six feet long, a double edged sword with a three foot blade, and a small round shield. Light infantry used bows, although there were a few slings. Cavalry was light, either using smaller bows or spears. Mercenaries of all sorts were also widely used.