Maud of Apulia was a noblewoman born around 1090 in the region of Apulia, Italy. She was the daughter of Robert Guiscard, a prominent Norman leader, and Agnese, his wife. Maud played a significant role in the political landscape of her time, particularly through her marriage to William II of Sicily, which strengthened ties between the Norman and Byzantine empires. Her life was marked by the complexities of feudal politics and the cultural exchanges between Normans and Byzantines. Maud's influence extended beyond her marriage, as she was involved in various diplomatic efforts and the administration of her husband's realm, contributing to the stability of the region during her lifetime.