common to much of western Sicily. A period of renewed development began in the 9th century following the Islamic conquest of the island, when Sicily was incorporated into the wider economic and maritime networks of the central and western Mediterranean under Muslim rule. During this period, Trapani's harbour gained increased importance as a coastal port, benefiting from renewed maritime activity linked to North Africa and the broader Islamic world.

Trapani was captured by the Normans in 1077 during the conquest of Sicily led by Roger I of Sicily.