The place was later converted into a settlement by Muslims.[24] The Normans conquered it at the same time as Sicily.[25] The Normans however didn't interfere in the matters of Muslims of the island and gave them a tributary status.[26] Their conquest however led to the Christianization and Latinization of the island.[27] An annual fine on the Christian community for killing of a Muslim was also repealed in the 12th century, signifying the degradation of the protection given to the Muslims.[28] Most of the Maltese Muslims were deported by 1271.[29] All Maltese Muslims had converted to Christianity by the end of the 15th century and had to find ways to disguise their previous identities by Latinizing or adopting new surnames.[30]