Medieval Sourcebook:
The Siege and Capture of Jerusalem:
Collected Accounts
JUNE-JULY, 1099
The March to Jerusalem
The Fall of Jerusalem
The Frankish Victory
"The Vision of Peace"
The News Spreads
The March to Jerusalem
1. The Gesta Version
Accordingly, we left the fortified town and came to Tripoli on
the sixth day of the week on the thirteenth day of incoming May,
and we stayed there for three days. At length, the King of Tripoli
made an agreement with the leaders, and he straightway loosed
to them more than three hundred pilgrims who had been captured
there and gave fifteen thousand besants and fifteen horses
of great value; he likewise gave us a great market of horses,
asses and all goods, whence the whole army of Christ was greatly
enriched. But he made an agreement with them that if they could
win the war which the Emir of Babylon was getting ready against
them and could take Jerusalem, he would become a Christian and
would recognize his land as (a gift) from them. In such manner
it was settled.
We left the city on the second day of the week in the month of
May and, passing along a narrow and difficult road all day and
night, we came to a fortress, the name of which was Botroun. Then
we came to a city called Gibilet near the sea, in which we suffered
very great thirst, and, thus worn out, we reached a river named
Ibrahim. Then on the eve of the day of the Ascension of the Lord
we crossed a mountain in which the way was exceedingly narrow,
and there we expected to find the enemy lying in ambush for us.
But God favoring us, none of them dared to appear in our way.
Then our knights went ahead of us and cleared the way before us,
and we arrived at a city by the sea which called Beirut, and thence
we went to another city called Sidon, thence to another called
Tyre, and from Tyre to the city of Acre. But from Acre we came
to a fortified place the name of which was Cayphas, and then we
came near Caesarea. There was celebrated Pentecost on the third
day of outgoing May. Then we came to Ramlah, which through fear
of the Franks the Saracens had left empty. Near it was the famous
church in which rested the most precious body of St. George, since
for the name of Christ he there happily received martyrdom from
the treacherous pagans. There our leaders held a council to choose
a bishop who should have charge of this place and erect a church.
They gave tithes to him and enriched him with gold and silver,
and with horses and other animals, that be might live the more
devoutly and honorably with those who were with him. He remained
there with joy.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 242-243
2. Version of Raymond d'Aguiliers
Meanwhile the Count and the other princes inquired of the inhabitants
of that region how the march to Jerusalem might be better and
more easily made. For there are the mountains of Lebanon, in which
almost sixty thousand Christian men dwell. The Christians who
are near the city of Tyre (now commonly called Sur, whence they
are called Surians) have possessed that land and mountains for
a long time. But when the Saracens and Turks arose through the
judgment of God, those Surians were in such great oppression for
four hundred and more years that many of them were forced to abandon
their fatherland and the Christian law. If, however, any of them
through the grace of God refused, they were compelled to give
up their beautiful children to be circumcised, or converted to
Mohammedanism; or they were snatched from the lap of their mothers,
after the father had been killed and the mother mocked. Forsooth,
that race of men were inflamed to such malice that they overturned
the churches of God and His saints, or destroyed the images; and
they tore out the eyes of those images which, for lack of time,
they could not destroy, and shot them with arrows; all the altars,
too, they undermined. Moreover, they made mosques of the great
churches. But if any of those distressed Christians wished to
have an image God or any saint at his home, he either redeemed
it month by month, or, year by year, or it was thrown down into
the dirt and broken be, fore his eyes. In addition, too harsh
to relate, they placed youths in brothels, and, to do yet more
vilely, exchanged their sisters for wine. And their mothers dared
not weep openly at these or other sorrows. Why do we say much
about them? Surely that people had conspired against the Holy
of Holies and His inheritance! Except by the command and direction
of God, the people of the Franks would have encountered these
ills, had not God straightway armed brute animals against their
enemies, as He did once in our presence. And so much for this.
When those Surians who, as we said above, came to the Count, were
asked about the better route, they replied: "The way through:
Damascus is level and full of vituals; but you will not find water
for two days. The other way through the mountains of Lebanon is
safe enough and well watered, but it is very bard for the pack
animals and camels. There is another way along the sea, where
there are so many and such narrow passes that if fifty or a hundred,
Saracens want to hold them, they can do so against all mankind.
And yet it is contained in the Gospel of St. Peter, which we have,
that if you are the people who are to take Jerusalem, you will
pass, along the seacoast, though because of the difficulty it
seems impossible to us. Moreover, there is written in that Gospel
among us not only what you have done, but also what you ought
to do about. this march and many other things."
While some were urging in this and other ways, and others were
contradicting, William Hugo of Monteil returned with the, Cross
of which we spoke above. Moreover, when the friends of the Count
likewise beheld this Cross, they became so eager for the march
that, except for the counsel of the Count and the other princes,
the servants of the Count would have burned their buts and been
the first to leave the siege of Arebas. Thereupon, the Count was
disturbed to tears and even to hatred of himself and his people.
But the Duke of Lorraine especially wished this journey and admonished
the people to it. Accordingly, having set forth from that detestable
and hateful siege of Archas, we came before Tripoli. Even then
Count Raymond with prayers and gifts urged all the nobles to besiege
the city of Tripoli, but all opposed him.
At this time, St. Andrew appeared to Peter Desiderius, of whom
we have made mention above, and said to him, "Go and speak
to the Count, saying: 'Do not molest thyself or others, for unless
Jerusalem shall first have been taken, thou shalt have no help.
Do not trouble thyself about the unfinished siege of Archas; let
it not weigh upon thee that this city, or others which are on
the journey, are not taken at present, because a fight will soon
come upon thee in which these and many other cities shall be captured.
Furthermore, do not trouble thyself or thy men, but distribute
freely in His name whatever God shall grant to thee, and be a
companion and loyal friend to thy vassals. If thou shalt do this,
God will grant thee Jerusalem and Alexandria and Babylon. But
if thou dost not do this, thou shalt neither acquire the things
promised by God nor have a message, until thou art placed in such
straits that thou knowest not how to escape!"' So the Count
accepted the words of the priest; he accepted them, truly, in
words, but be refused them in deeds. For when he had received
great wealth from the King of Tripoli, he was never willing to
give anyone any of it, but be even daily afflicted his people
with blows and insults. Not only this, however, did that priest
tell us, but also many other things, some of which we have added
to this work.
For once, when we wanted to set out from Antioch, that priest
came to me, Raymond, and said to me that a certain person bad
appeared to him in a vision who said to him, "Go into the
church of St. Leontius, and thou wilt find there the relics of
four saints; take them with thee and carry them to Jerusalem."
And be showed him in that vision the relics and locations of the
relics, and he taught him the names of the saints. When that priest
had awakened, not fully believing in his vision, he began to urge
God with prayers and entreaties to make known to him a second
time if this vision was from Him. Several days later the same
saint stood before him in a vision and threatened him much because
he had neglected the command of God, and (said that) unless he
had taken those relics away by the fifth day of the week, it would
be a great hurt to him and his lord, Count Ysoard. Ysoard, Count
of Die, was a man loyal to God as far as he knew, and helpful
to all of us for his wisdom and uprightness.
When the priest had narrated this to me, Raymond, I told it to
the Bishop of Orange and to the Count of St. Gilles and to some
others. We took candles and went to the church of St. Leontius.
We offered the candles and vows to God and to the saints of the
same church, (praying) that Almighty God, who had sanctified them,
might give them to us as companions and helpers; and that those
saints might not spurn the company of pilgrims and exiles for
God, but, rather, out of charity might join us and link us with
God. When it became morning, we went with the priest to the places
where the relics were kept, and we found everything just as it
had been foretold. Moreover, these are the names of saints: Cyprian, Omechios, Leontius, John Chrysostom . And, furthermore,
at the place where the relics were kept we found a little chest
filled with relics. When he asked a priest about these, of which
saint they were the relics, he replied that he did not know. But
when we inquired of the inhabitants if they knew of which saint
these were the relics, some said of St. Mercurius, others, however,
of other saints. But the priest wished to take them up and put
them with the collection of other relics. To him, I, Raymond,
said angrily in the presence of all who were there, "If this
saint wishes to come with us to Jerusalem, let him make known
his name and wish; otherwise let him remain here. Why should we
weight ourselves with unknown bones and carry them along?"
Therefore on that day those relics were left behind. But when
the priest had collected the other relics and had rolled them
up in cloths and a covering, on the night which followed, as he
lay awake, there appeared to him a youth of about fifteen years,
exceedingly beautiful, who said to him, "Why didst thou this
day not take any relics with the rest?"
The priest replied to this "Who art thou?"
"Dost thou not know who is the standard bearer of this army?"
he replied.
The priest answered, "I do not, Sire."
When the priest had made the same reply to the same question a
second time, the youth threatened the priest terribly, saying,
"Tell me the truth."
And then the priest said, "Sire, it is said of St. George
that is the standard bearer of this army."
He replied, "Thou hast said well. I am be. Take therefore,
relics and put them with the others."
When, however, the priest bad deferred doing this for several
days, the same George came to him and commanded the priest sternly,
saying, "Do not delay longer than the morning to take up
my relics; and near by in a little ampule thou wilt find some
of the blood of the virgin and martyr St. Tecla, which likewise
take; and after this chant mass." And the priest found all
this, and did it.
But before we go on to the remainder, we ought not to pass over
these men who did not hesitate, for love of the most holy expedition,
to sail through the unknown and very long water of the Mediterranean
and the Ocean. For when the Angles beard the name of the Lord's
vengeance against those who unworthily occupied the birthplace
of Jesus Christ and His apostles, they embarked upon the Anglican
Sea. Rounding Spain, crossing the ocean and thus ploughing through
the Mediterranean Sea, with great labor they gained the port of
Antioch and the city of Laodicaea, before our army came thither
by land. Their ships, as well as those of the Genoese were of
advantage to us at this time, for during the siege we had trade
with the island of Cyprus and the remaining islands because of
these ships and the security which they offered. Forsooth, these
ships passed daily over the sea, and for this reason the ships
of the Greeks were safe, since the Saracens feared to encounter
them. But when the Angles saw the army setting forth for Jerusalem,
and that the strength of their own ships was impaired by the long
wait (for though they had thirty ships in the beginning, they
now bad scarcely nine or ten), some abandoned their ships and
exposed them; others, however, burned theirs and hastened with
us on the journey.
When our princes were entangled in delay before Tripoli, the Lord
sent such great desire of going to Jerusalem that no one could
there restrain himself, or another, but, setting out at evening
against the decrees of the princes and the custom of our army,
we walked along all that night and came on the following day to
Beirut. After this, when the narrow passages which are called
The Twisted Mouth had been suddenly seized in advance, we came
in a few days and without baggage to Acre. The King of Acre, however,
afraid that we would besiege his city, and hoping that we Would
withdraw, took oath to the Count that if we captured Jerusalem,
or were in the region of Judaea for twenty days, and the King
of Babylon did not meet us in battle, or if we were able to overcome
that king, he would surrender himself and his city to us, but
that in the meanwhile he would be our friend.
Setting forth from Acre one day it vespers, we pitched camp by
the swamps which are near Caesarea. And while, according to custom,
some ran here and there below the camp, as need demanded, and
while others were inquiring from acquaintences where their companions
were lodged, a dove, mortally wounded by a hawk, fell down in
the midst of those running about. When the Bishop of Agde took
it up, he found a letter which it was carrying. And the sense
of the letter was as follows:
"The King of Acre to the Duke of Caesarea: A canine breed,
a foolish and troublesome host without order, passed me. As you
love your law, try by yourselves and through others to hurt them:
this you can easily do, if you wish. Send this likewise to other
cities and fortresses."
In the morning, when we were commanding the army to rest, the
letter was shown to the princes and to all the people, and was
(it was manifest) how God had been kind to us, so that not even
the birds could cross through the air to harm us, and that He
likewise disclosed to us the secrets of our foes. Wherefore, we,
rendered praise and thanks to Almighty God. And thence setting
forth securely and willingly, we went forward, frequently in the
front rank of the army, and also at the end.
But when the Saracens who lived in Ramlah heard that we had crossed
the river near by, they left their fortifications and arms, and
much grain in the fields, and crops, which we gathered. And when
we came to it on the next day we found out that God was truly
fighting for us. So we offered vows to St. George because he had
confessed himself our guide. The leaders and all the people agreed
that we should there chose a bishop, since that was the first
church which we found in the land of Israel, and, also in order
that St. George might entreat God in our behalf, and might lead
us faithfully through the land in which He was not worshipped.
Moreover, Ramlah is about fifteen miles from Jerusalem. Therefore,
we there held a conference.
Some said, "Let us not go to Jerusalem at present, but towards
Egypt; we will obtain not only Jerustlem, but likewise Alexandria
and Babylon and very many kingdoms. If we go to Jerusalem and,
failing of sufficient water, give up the siege, we will accomplish
neither this nor the other afterward."
But others said in opposition, "There are scarcely fifteen
hundred knights in the army, and the number of armed men is not
great; and yet it is now suggested that we go to very distant
and unknown regions, where we will be able neither to get help
from our people nor to place a garrison in a city, if we capture
one; nor, even if it should be necessary, would we be able to
return thence. But none of this: let us hold to our way, and let
God provide for His servants for the siege, for thirst, for hunger,
and for other things!"
Accordingly, after leaving a garrison in the fortress of Ramlah
with the new Bishop, we loaded our camels and oxen, and then all
our baggage animals and horses, and turned our march to Jerusalem.
However, the word which Peter Bartholomew had commanded us - that
we should not approach Jerusalem except with bared feet - we forgot
and held in low regard, each one, from ambition to occupy castles
and villas, wishing to go ahead of the next. For it was a custom
among us that if any one came to a castle or villa first and placed
his standard there with a guard, it was touched by no one else
afterward. Therefore, because of this ambition they arose at midnight
and, without waiting for companions, gained all those mountains
and villas which are in the meadows of the Jordan. A few, however,
to whom the command of God was more precious, walked with naked
feet and sighed heavily for the contempt of the Divine word; and
yet no one recalled a companion or friend from that ambitious
chase. Moreover, when by such arrogant procedure we had come near
Jerusalem, the people of Jerusalem came forth to meet the first
of our men and wounded the horses severely. Of those men three
or four fell on that day, and many were wounded.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 243-48
The Fall of Jerusalem
3. Version of Raymond d'Aguiliers
Duke Godfrey and the Count of Flanders and the Count of Normandy
besieged the city from the north side, that is from the church
of St. Stephen, located in the center of the city, southward to
the angular tower next to the tower of David. Count Raymond and
his army, however, settled down on the West and besieged Jerusalem
from the camp of the Duke to the foot of Mount Zion. But since
his men could not come close to besiege the wall because of a
gully which intervened, the Count wished to move his camp and
change his position. One day, while he was reconnoitering, he
came to Mount Zion and saw the church which is located on the
Mount. When he heard of the miracles that God had performed there,
he said to his leaders and companions, 'If we neglect to take
this sacred offering, which the Lord has so graciously offered
us, and the Saracens there occupy this place what will become
of us? What if through hatred of us they should destroy and pollute
these sacred things? Who knows that God may not be giving us this
opportunity to test our regard for Him? I know this one thing
for certain: unless we carefully protect this sacred spot, the
Lord will not give us the others within the city."
And so Count Raymond, against the wishes of the leaders of his
army, ordered his tents to be moved to that spot. As a result
of this he incurred such great hatred from his men that they were
neither willing to encamp with him nor to do guard duty during
the night; each stayed where be bad first pitched his tent, with
the exception of a few who accompanied the Count. However, by
great rewards the Count daily induced knights and footmen to guard
his camp. There are in that church these sacred treasures - the
tombs of the kings, David and Solomon, as well as that of the
first martyr, St. Stephen. There the Blessed Mary departed from
this world; the Lord supped there and, after rising from the dead,
appeared there to His disciples and to Thomas, On this spot, also,
the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Thereupon, when the siege had been set, it happened one day that
some of the leaders of the army met a hermit on the mount of Olives,
who said to them, 'If you will attack the city tomorrow till the
ninth hour, the Lord will deliver it into your hands." They
replied, "But we do not have the necessary machinery for
storming the walls." The hermit replied: "God is all
powerful. If he wills, He will storm the walls even with one ladder.
The Lord aids those who labor for the Truth." So, with such
machinery as could be constructed during the night an attack was
made on the city in the early morning, and it lasted till the
third hour. The Saracens were compelled to retreat behind the
inner walls, for the outer, wall was broken down by our men, some
of whom even climbed to the top of the inner walls. Now when the
city was about to be captured, in the confusion of desire and
fear the attack was interrupted, and we then lost many men. On
the next day no attack was attempted.
After this, the whole army scattered throughout the surrounding
country to collect provisions, and nothing was even said of the
necessity of preparing the machines that were needed to capture
the city. Each man was serving his mouth and stomach; what was
worse, they did not even ask the Lord to free them from such great
and manifold evils, and they were afflicted even unto death. just
before our arrival, the Saracens bad filled up the springs, destroyed
the cisterns, and dammed up the brooks from the springs. And the
Lord Himself had turned rivers into wilderness and water springs
into thirsty ground for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
Therefore water was obtained with great difficulty. There is a
fountain at the foot of Mount Zion, which is called the Pool of
Siloam. Indeed, it is a large spring, but the water flows forth
only once in three days, and the natives say that formerly it
emptied itself only on Saturdays; the rest of the week it remained
stagnant. We do not know how to explain this, except that the
Lord willed it to be so. But when, as we have said, the water
did flow forth on the third day, it was consumed with such great
crowding and haste that the men pushed one another into it, and
many baggage animals and cattle perished in it. And so when the
pool was filled with the crowd and with the bodies of dead animals,
the stronger, even at the price of death, forced their way to
the very opening in the rocks through which the water flowed,
while the weak got only the water which bad already been contaminated.
Many sick people fell down by the fountain, with tongues so parched
that they were unable to utter a word; with open mouths they stretched
forth their hands toward those who had water. In the field were
many horses, mules, cattle, and sheep, Most of the animals without
strength enough to move. And when they had become parched and
died because of extreme thirst, they rotted where they had long
stood, and there was a most sickening stench throughout the camp.
Because of such affliction it was necessary to fetch water a distance
of two or three leagues, also to drive the cattle to distant watering
places. When the Saracens noticed that our people were going unarmed
to the watering places through the dangerous passes in the hills,
they lay in wait for them in ambush. They killed many of them
and drove away the flocks and herds. The situation was so bad
that when anyone brought foul water to camp in vessels, he was
able to get any price that be cared to ask, and if any one wished
to get clear water, for five or six nummi he could not
obtain enough to satisfy his thirst for a single day. Wine, moreover,
was never, or very rarely, even mentioned. In addition, the heat,
the dust, and the wind increased their thirst, as though this
was not bad enough in itself. But why say so much about these
troubles? None, or few, were mindful of the Lord, or of such work
as was needed to capture the city; nor did they take heed to beseech
the Lord's favor. And thus we not recognize God in the midst of
our affliction, nor did He show favor to the ungrateful.
Meanwhile, messengers came to camp, announcing that our ships
had arrived at Joppa and that the sailors demanded that a guard
be sent to hold the tower of Joppa and to give them protection
at the port; for the town of Joppa had been destroyed except the
castle, and that was nearly in ruins, with the exception of one
tower. However, there is a harbor there, and it is the one nearest
to Jerusalem, being about one day's journey distant. All of our
people rejoiced when they heard the news of the ships, and they
sent out Count Galdemar, surnamed Carpinellus, accompanid
by twenty knights and about fifty footmen. Later, they sent Raymond
Piletus with fifty knights and William of Sabran with his followers.
As Galdemar and his contingent approached the plains that on this
side of Ramlah, they encountered a force of four hundred chosen
Arabs and about two hundred Turks. Galdemar, because of the small
number of his men, arranged his knights and bowmen in the front
ranks and, trusting in the Lord, advanced upon the enemy without
hesitation. The enemy, however, thought that they would be able
to crush this band, and, rushing upon them and shooting arrows,
they encircled them. Three or four of Galdemar's knights were
killed, including Achard of Montemerle, a noble youth and renowned
knight; others were wounded, and all our bowmen fell. However,
many of the enemy were also killed. Nevertheless, the attack of
the enemy did not slacken on account of all this, nor did the
courage of our knights, nay God's knights" falter; though
oppressed by wounds and death itself, they stood up to their enemies
all the more fiercely, the more they suffered from them. But when
our leaders, rather from weariness than from fear, were about
to withdraw, a cloud of dust was seen approaching. Raymond Piletus
was rushing headlong into the fight with his men. Moreover, his
men raised so much dust that the enemy thought there were very
many knights with him. Thus, by the grace of God, our men were
delivered. The enemy scattered and fled, about two hundred of
them were killed, and much plunder was taken. It is the custom
of this people, when they flee and are hard pressed by the enemy,
first to throw away their arms, then their clothes, and lastly
their saddle bags. Thus it happened in this fight that our few
knights continued killing the enemy until they were worn out,
and they kept the spoils obtained from the rest, even of those
whom they did not kill.
After the pursuit was over our men assembled, divided the spoils,
and then marched to Joppa. The sailors received them with great
joy and felt so secure after their arrival that they forgot their
ships and neglected to place watches on the sea, but entertained
the crusaders with a feast of bread, wine, and fish from their
ships. The sailors, careless of their security, failed to post
lookouts for the night, and in the darkness they were suddenly
surrounded by enemies from the sea. When dawn came, they realized
that the enemy was too strong to be resisted, and they abandoned
their ships, carrying only the spoils. Thus our knights returned
to Jerusalem after winning one battle and losing another. However,
one of our ships which had gone on a plundering expedition was
not captured. It was returning to port with the greatest plunder
when it saw the rest of our ships surrounded by so great a fleet
of the enemy. By the use of oars and sail it made its escape to
Laodicaea and told our friends and companions at that port what
had been happening at Jerusalem. We knew that we had deserved
this misfortune, for we had refused to place faith in the words
sent to us by the Lord. Despairing of God's mercy, the men went
to the plain of the river Jordan, collected palms, and were baptized
in its waters. They did so chiefly with the intention of abandoning
the siege, having seen Jerusalem, and of going to Joppa, thence
to return home by whatever means they could. But the Lord looked
after the ships for His unfaithful.
About this time a public assembly was held, for the leaders of
the army were quarreling with each other. There was dissatisfaction
because Tancred had occupied Bethlehem and had placed his standard
over the church of the Nativity, as though it was an ordinary
house. An effort was also made to elect one of the princes king
to have custody of the city, lest what had been achieved in common
should be destroyed in common for want of anyone to take care
of the city, if God should give it to us. The bishops and clergy
replied (to this suggestion), "You ought not to choose a
king where the Lord suffered and was crowned. For if a David,
degenerate in faith and virtue, should say in his heart, 'I sit
upon the throne of David and hold his kingdom,' the Lord would
probably destroy him and be angry with place and people. Besides,
the prophet proclaims, saying, 'When the Holy of Holies shall
come, unction shall cease, because it will be manifest to all
peoples that He has come.' But there should be an advocate to
guard the city and divide the tributes and rents of the region
among the guardians of the city." For this and many other
reasons the election was stopped and put off until the eighth
day after the capture of Jerusalem. Not in this matter alone,
but in other ways, our affairs did not prosper, and the troubles
of the people increased every day. Nevertheless, the merciful
and propitious Lord , both for His name's sake and lest our enemies
should insult His law and say, "Where is their God?"
sent word to us through the Bishop of Puy, Lord Adhemar, how we
could placate His anger and obtain His mercy. We, however, preached
that this be done without mentioning the command of God, lest
if the people transgressed this command of the Lord, they should
be especially afflicted, as they would then be the more culpable.
For the Lord was so kind to us that He bad sent His messengers
to us often, but because they were our brothers we bad not heeded
them.
The Bishop (Adhemar) appeared before Peter Desiderius, saying:
"Speak to the princes and all the people, and say to them:
'You who have come from distant lands to worship God and the Lord
of hosts, purge yourselves of your uncleanliness, and let each
one turn from his evil ways. Then with bare feet march around
Jerusalem invoking God, and you must also fast. If you do this
and then make a great attack on the city on the ninth day, it
will be captured. if you do not, all the evils that you have suffered
will be multiplied by the Lord."'
When the priest had said this to William Hugo, the brother of
the Bishop, to his lord, Count Ysoard, and to certain of the clergy,
they assembled the princes and the people and addressed them "Brothers,
you know why we undertook this expedition, and what we have suffered,
and that we are acting negligently in that we are not constructing
the machines that are needed to capture the city Likewise, we
are not careful to reconcile tie Lord to us, for we offend Him
in many ways and through our evil deeds have driven Him from us.
Now, if it seems right to you let each one become reconciled to
his brother whom he has offended, and let brother graciously forgive
brother. After this, let us humble ourselves be fore God; let
us march around Jerusalem in bare feet and, through the patronage
of the saints, invoke the mercy of the Lord, so that Almighty
God, who for us, His servants, laid aside the form of His Godhead,
assumed the flesh, and humbly rode into the city on an ass to
suffer death on the Cross for our sins, may come to our aid. If
we make this procession around the walls, for the honor and glory
of His name, He will open the city to us and give us judgment
upon His enemies and ours, who now with unjust possession contaminate
the place of His suffering and burial, the enemy who seek to deny
us the great blessing of the place of God's humiliation and our
redemption."
These words were pleasing to both princes and people, and it was
publicly commanded that on the next Friday the clergy should lead
the procession with crosses and relics of the saints, while the
knights and all able-bodied men, with trumpets, standards, and
arms, should follow them, barefooted. All this we did according
to the commands of God and the princes. When we reached the spot
on the Mount of Olives whence the Lord had ascended into heaven
after the resurrection, the following exhortation was made to
the people: "Now that we are on the wry spot from which the
Lord made His ascension and we can do nothing more to purify ourselves,
let each one of us forgive his brother whom he has injured, that
the Lord may forgive us." What more? All were reconciled
to each other, and with generous offerings we besought the mercy
of God, that he should not now desert His people, whom He had
led so gloriously and miraculously to this goal. Thus the mercy
of God was obtained, since every thing that had been against us
was now favorable.
Although we have passed over many matters, this one we ought to
record. While we marched around the city in Saracens and Turks
made the circuit on the walls, procession, the ridiculing us in
many ways. They placed many crosses on the walls in yokes and
mocked them with blows and insulting deeds. We, in turn, hoping
to obtain the aid of God in storming the city by means of these
signs, pressed the work of the siege day and night.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 250-56
4. The Gesta Version
At length, our leaders decided to beleaguer the city with siege
machines, so that we might enter and worship the Saviour at the
Holy Sepulchre. They constructed wooden towers and many other
siege machines. Duke Godfrey made a wooden tower and other siege
devices, and Count Raymond did the same, although it was necessary
to bring wood from a considerable distance. However, when the
Saracens saw our men engaged in this work, they greatly strengthened
the fortifications of the city and increased the height of the
turrets at night. On a certain Sabbath night, the leaders, after
having decided which parts of the wall were weakest, dragged the
tower and the machines to the eastern side of the city. Moreover,
we set up the tower at earliest dawn and equipped and covered
it on the first, second, and third days of the week. The Count
of St. Gilles erected his tower on the plain to the south of the
city.
While all this was going on, our water supply was so limited that
no one could buy enough water for one denarius to satisfy
or quench his thirst. Both day and night, on the fourth and fifth
days of the week, we made a determined attack on the city from
all sides. However, before we made this assault on the city, the
bishops and priests persuaded all, by exhorting and preaching,
to honor the Lord by marching around Jerusalem in a great procession,
and to prepare for battle by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Early on the sixth day of the week we again attacked the city
on all sides, but as the assault was unsuccessful, we were all
astounded and fearful. However, when the hour approached on which
our Lord Jesus Christ deigned to suffer on the Cross for us, our
knights began to fight bravely in one of the towers - namely,
the party with Duke Godfrey and his brother, Count Eustace. One
of our knights, named Lethold, clambered up the wall of the city,
and no sooner had he ascended than the defenders fled from the
walls and through the city. Our men followed, killing and slaying
even to the Temple of Solomon, where the slaughter was so great
that our men waded in blood up to their ankles....
Count Raymond brought his army and his tower up near the wall
from the south, but between the tower and the wall there was a
very deep ditch. Then our men took counsel how they might fill
it, and had it proclaimed by heralds that anyone who carried three
stones to the ditch would receive one denarius. The work
of filling it required three days and three nights, and when at
length the ditch was filled, they moved the tower up to the wall,
but the men defending this portion of the wall fought desperately
with stones and fire. When the Count heard that the Franks were
already in the city, he said to his men, "Why do you loiter?
Lo, the Franks are even now within the city." The Emir who
commanded the Tower of St. David surrendered to the Count and
opened that gate at which the pilgrims had always been accustomed
to pay tribute. But this time the pilgrims entered the city, pursuing
and killing the Saracens up to the Temple of Solomon, where the
enemy gathered in force. The battle raged throughout the day,
so that the Temple was covered with their blood. When the pagans
had been overcome, our men seized great numbers, both men and
women, either killing them or keeping them captive, as they wished.
On the roof of the Temple a great number of pagans of both sexes
had assembled, and these were taken under the protection of Tancred
and Gaston of Beert. Afterward, the army scattered throughout
the city and took possession of the gold and silver, the horses
and mules, and the houses filled with goods of all kinds.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 256-57
The Frankish Victory
5. Version of Raymond d'Aguiliers
Later, all of our people went to the Sepulchre of our Lord rejoicing
and weeping for joy, and they rendered up the offering that they
owed. In the morning, some of our men cautiously, ascended to
the roof of the Temple and attacked the Saracens both men and
women, beheading them with naked swords:, the remainder sought
death by jumping down into the temple. When Tancred heard of this,
he was filled with anger.
The Duke and the Counts of Normandy and Flanders placed Gaston
of Beert in charge of the workmen who constructed machines.
They built mantlets and towers with which to attack the wall.
The direction of this work was assigned to Gaston by the princes
because he was a most noble lord, respected by all for his skill
and reputation. He very cleverly hastened matters by dividing
the work. The princes busied themselves with obtaining the material,
while Gaston supervised the construction. Likewise, Count Raymond
made William Ricau superintendent of the work on Mount
Zion and placed the Bishop of Albara in charge of the Saracens
and others who brought in the timber. The Count's men had taken
many Saracen castles and villages and forced the Saracens to work,
as though they were their serfs. Thus for the construction of
machines at Jerusalem fifty or sixty men carried on their shoulders
a great beam that could not have been dragged by four pair of
oxen. What more shall I say? All worked with a singleness of purpose,
no one was slothful, and no bands were idle. All worked without
wages, except the artisans, who were paid from a collection taken
from the people. However, Count Raymond paid his workmen from
his own treasury. Surely the band of the Lord was with us and
aided those who were working!
When our efforts were ended and the machines completed, the princes
held a council and announced: "Let all prepare themselves
for a battle on Thursday; in the meantime, let us pray, fast,
and give alms. Hand over your animals and your boys to the artisans
and carpenters, that they may bring in beams, poles, stakes, and
branches to make mantlets. Two knights should make one mantlet
and one scaling ladder. Do not hesitate to work for the Lord,
for your labors will soon be ended." This was willingly done
by all. Then it was decided what part of the city each leader
should attack and where his machines should be located.
Meanwhile, the Saracens in the city, noting the great number of
machines that we had constructed, strengthened the weaker parts
of the wall, so that it seemed that they could be taken only by
the most desperate efforts. Because the Saracens bad made so many
and such strong fortifications to oppose our machines, the Duke,
the Count of Flanders, and the Count of Normandy spent the night
before the day set for the attack moving their machines, mantlets,
and platforms to that side of the city which is between the church
of St. Stephen and the valley of Josaphat. You who read this must
not think that this was a light undertaking, for the machines
were carried in parts almost a mile to the place where they were
to be set up. When morning came and the Saracens saw that all
the machinery and tents had been moved during the night, they
were amazed. Not only the Saracens were astonished, but our people
as well, for they recognized that the band of the Lord was with
us. The change was made because the new point chosen for attack
was more level, and thus suitable for moving the machines up to
the walls, which cannot be done unless the ground is level; and
also because that part of the city seemed to be weaker having
remained unfortified, as it was some distance from our camp. This
part of the city is on the north.
Count Raymond and his men worked equally bard on Mount Zion, but
they bad much assistance from William Embriaco, and the Genoese
sailors, who, although they bad lost their ships at Joppa, as
we have already related, had been able, nevertheless, to save
ropes, mallets, spikes, axes, and hatchets, which were very necessary
to us. But why delay the story? The appointed day arrived and
the attack began. However, I want to say this first, that, according
to our estimate and that of many others, there were sixty thousand
fighting men within the city, not counting the women and those
unable to bear arms, and there were not many of these. At the
most we did not have more than twelve thousand able to bear arms,
for there were many poor people and many sick. There were twelve
or thirteen hundred knights in our army, as I reckon it, not more.
I say this that you may realize that nothing, whether great or
small, which is undertaken in the name of the Lord can fail, as
the following pages show.
Our men began to undermine the towers and walls. From every side
stones were hurled from the tormenti and the petrahae, and so many arrows that they fell like hail. The servants
of CA bore this patiently, sustained by the premises of their
faith, whether they should be killed or should presently prevail
over their enemies. The battle showed no indication of victory,
but when the machines were drawn nearer to the walls, they hurled
not only stones and arrows, but also burning wood and straw. The
wood was dipped in pitch, wax, and sulphur; then straw and tow
were fastened on by an iron band, and, when lighted, these firebrands
were shot from the machines. (They were) all bound together by
an iron band, I say, so that wherever they fell, the whole mass
held together and continued to burn. Such missiles, burning as
they shot upward, could not be resisted by swords or by high walls;
it was not even possible for the defenders to find safety down
behind the walls. Thus the fight continued from the rising to
the setting sun in such splendid fashion that it is difficult
to believe anything more glorious was ever done. Then we called
on Almighty God, our Leader and Guide, confident in His mercy.
Night brought fear to both sides. The Saracens feared that we
would take the city during the night or on the next day for the
outer works were broken through and the ditch was filled so that
it was possible to make an entrance through the wall very quickly.
On our part, we feared only that the Saracens would set fire to
the machines that were moved close to the walls, and thus improve
their situation. So on both sides it was a night of watchfulness,
labor, and sleepless caution: on one side, most cert4n hope, on
the other doubtful fear. We gladly labored to capture the city
for the glory of God, they less willingly strove to resist our
efforts for the sake of the laws of Mohammed. It is hard to believe
how great were the efforts made on both sides during the night.
When the morning came, our men eagerly rushed to be walls and
dragged the machines forward, but the Saracens had constructed
so many machines that for each one of ours they now had nine or
ten. Thus they greatly interfered with our efforts. This was the
ninth day, on which the priest had said that we would capture
the city. But why do I delay so long? Our machines were now shaken
apart by the blows of many stones, and our men lagged because
they were very weary. However, there remained the mercy of the
Lord which is never overcome nor conquered, but is always a source
of support in times of adversity. One incident must not be omitted.
Two women tried to bewitch one of the hurling machines, but a
stone struck and crushed them, as well as three slaves, so that
their lives were extinguished and the evil incantations averted.
By noon our men were greatly discouraged. They were weary and
at the end of their resources. There were still many of the enemy
opposing each one of our men; the walls were very high and strong,
and the great resources and skill that the enemy exhibited in
repairing their defenses seemed too great for us to overcome.
But, while we hesitated, irresolute, and the enemy exulted in
our discomfiture, the healing mercy of God inspired us and turned
our sorrow into joy, for the Lord did not forsake us. While a
council was being held to decide whether or not our machines should
be withdrawn, for some were burned and the rest badly shaken to
pieces, a knight on the Mount of Olives began to wave his shield
to those who were with the Count and others, signalling them to
advance. Who this knight was we have been unable to find out.
At this signal our men began to take heart, and some began to
batter down the wall, while others began to ascend by means of
scaling ladders and ropes. Our archers shot burning firebrands,
and in this way checked the attack that the Saracens were making
upon the wooden towers of the Duke and the two Counts. These firebrands,
moreover, were wrapped in cotton. This shower of fire drove the
defenders from the walls. Then the Count quickly released the
long drawbridge which had protected the side of the wooden tower
next to the wall, and it swung down from the top, being fastened
to the middle of the tower, making a bridge over which the men
began to enter Jerusalem bravely and fearlessly. Among those who
entered first were Tancred and the Duke of Lorraine, and the amount
of blood that they shed on that day is incredible. All ascended
after them, and the Saracens now began to suffer.
Strange to relate, however, at this very time when the city was
practically captured by the Franks, the Saracens were still fighting
on the other side, where the Count was attacking the wall as though
the city should never be captured. But now that our men had possession
of the walls and towers, wonderful sights were to be seen. Some
of our men (and this was more merciful) cut off the heads of their
enemies; others shot them with arrows, so that they fell from
the towers; others tortured them longer by casting them into the
flames. Piles of heads, hands, and feet were to be seen in the
streets of the city. It was necessary to pick one's way over the
bodies of men and horses. But these were small matters compared
to what happened at the Temple of Solomon, a place where religious
services are ordinarily chanted. What happened there? If I tell
the truth, it will exceed your powers of belief. So let it suffice
to say this much, at least, that in the Temple and porch of Solomon,
men rode in blood up to their knees and bridle reins. Indeed,
it was a just and splendid judgment of God that this place should
be filled with the blood of the unbelievers, since it had suffered
so long from their blasphemies. The city was filled with corpses
and blood. Some of the enemy took refuge in the Tower of David,
and, petitioning Count Raymond for protection, surrendered the
Tower into his hands.
Now that the city was taken, it was well worth all our previous
labors and hardships to see the devotion of the pilgrims at the
Holy Sepulchre. How they rejoiced and exulted and sang a new song
to the Lord! For their hearts offered prayers of praise to God,
victorious and triumphant, which cannot be told in words. A new
day, new joy, new and perpetual gladness, the consummation of
our labor and devotion, drew forth from all new words and new
songs. This day, I say, will be famous in all future ages, for
it turned our labors and sorrows into joy and exultation; this
day, I say, marks the justification of all Christianity, the humiliation
of paganism, and the renewal of our faith. "This is the day
which the Lord bath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it,"
for on this day the Lord revealed Himself to His people and blessed
them.
On this day, the Ides of July, Lord Adhemar, Bishop of Puy, was
seen in the city by many people. Many also testified that he was
the first to scale the wall, and that he summoned the knights
and people to follow him. On this day, moreover, the apostles
were cast forth from Jerusalem and scattered over the whole world.
On this same day, the children of the apostles regained the city
and fatherland for God and the fathers. This day, the Ides of
July, shall be celebrated to the praise and glory of the name
of God, who, answering the prayers of His Church, gave in trust
and benediction to His children the city and fatherland which
He bad promised to the fathers. On this day we chanted the Office
of the Resurrection, since on that day He, who by His virtue arose
from the dead, revived us through His grace. So much is to be
said of this.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 257-62
6. Version of Fulcher of Chartres
Chapter 27: The Siege of the City of Jerusalem
On the seventh of June the Franks besieged Jerusalem. The city
is located in a mountainous region, which is lacking in rivers,
woods, and springs, except the Fountain of Siloam, where there
is plenty of water, but it empties forth only at certain intervals.
This fountain empties into the valley, at the foot of Mount Zion,
and flows into the course of the brook of Kedron, which, during
the winter, flows through the valley of Jehosaphat. There are
many cisterns, which furnish abundant water within the city. When
filled by the winter rains and well cared for, they offer both
men and beasts an unfailing supply at all times. Moreover, the
city is laid out most beautifully, and cannot be criticized. for
too great length or as being disproportionately narrow. On the
west is the. tower of David,. which is flanked on both sides by
the broad wall of the city. The lower half of the wall is solid
masonry, of square stones and mortar, sealed with molten lead.
So strong is this wall that, if fifteen or twenty men should be
well supplied with provisions, they would never be taken by any
army. . . .
When the Franks saw how difficult it would be to take the city,
the leaders ordered scaling ladders to be made, hoping that by
a brave assault it might be possible to surmount the walls by
means 'of ladders and thus take the city, God helping. So the
ladders were made, and on the day following the seventh, in the
early morning, the leaders ordered the attack, and, with the trumpets
sounding, a splendid assault was made on the city from all sides.
The attack lasted till the sixth hour, but it was discovered that
the city could not be entered by the use of ladders, which were
few in number, and sadly we ceased the attack.
Then a council was held, and it was ordered that siege machines
should be constructed by the artisans, so that by moving them
close to the wall we might accomplish our purpose, with the aid
of God. This was done.......
. . .When the tower had been put together and bad been covered
with hides, it was moved nearer to the wall. Then knights, few
in number, but brave, at the sound of the trumpet, took their
places in the tower and began to shoot stones and arrows. The
Saracens defended themselves vigorously, and, with slings, very
skilfully hurled back burning firebrands, which had been dipped
in oil and fresh fat. Many on both sides, fighting in this manner,
often found themselves in the presence of death.
. . . On the following day the work again began at the sound of
the trumpet, and to such purpose that the rams, by continual pounding,
made a hole through one part of the wall. The Saracens suspended
two beams before the opening, supporting them by ropes, so that
by piling stones behind them they would make an obstacle to the
rams. However, what they did for their own protection became,
through the providence of God, the cause of their own destruction.
For, when the tower was moved nearer to the wall, the ropes that
supported the beams were cut; from these same beams the Franks
constructed a bridge, which they cleverly extended from the tower
to the wall. About this time one of the towers in the stone wall
began to burn, for the men who worked our machines had been hurling
firebrands upon it until the wooden beams within it caught fire.
The flames and smoke soon became so bad that none of the defenders
of this part of the wall were able to remain near this place.
At the noon hour on Friday, with trumpets sounding, amid great
commotion and sbouting "God help us," the Franks entered
the city. When the pagans saw one standard planted on the wall,
they were completely demoralized, and all their former boldness
vanished, and they turned to flee through the narrow streets of
the city. Those who were already in rapid flight began to flee
more rapidly.
Count Raymond and his men, who were attacking the wall on the
other side, did not yet know of all this, until they saw the Saracens
leap from the wall in front of them. Forthwith, they joyfully
rushed into the city to pursue and kill the nefarious enemies,
as their comrades were already doing. Some Saracens, Arabs, and
Ethiopians took refuge in the tower of David, others fled to the
temples of the Lord and of Solomon. A great fight took place in
the court and porch of the temples, where they were unable to
escape from our gladiators. Many fled to the roof of the temple
of Solomon, and were shot with arrows, so that they fell to the
ground dead. In this temple almost ten thousand were killed. Indeed,
if you had been there you would have seen our feet colored to
our ankles with the blood of the slain. But what more shall I
relate? None of them were left alive; neither women nor children
were spared.
Chapter 28: The Spoils Taken By the Christians
This may seem strange to you. Our squires and poorer footmen discovered
a trick of the Saracens, for they learned that they could find
byzants [note: a gold coin] in the stomachs and intestines
of the dead Saracens, who had swallowed them. Thus, after several
days they burned a great heap of dead bodies, that they might
more easily get the precious metal from the ashes. Moreover, Tancred
broke into the temple of the Lord and most wrongfully stole much
gold and silver, also precious stones, but later, repenting of
his action, after everything had been accounted for, be restored
all to its former place of sanctity.
The carnage over, the crusaders entered the houses and took whatever
they found in them. However, this was all done in such a sensible
manner that whoever entered a house first received no injury from
any one else, whether he was rich or poor. Even though the house
was a palace, whatever he found there was his property. Thus many
poor men became rich.
Afterward, all, clergy and laymen, went to the Sepulcher of the
Lord and His glorious temple, singing the ninth chant. With fitting
humility, they repeated prayers and made their offering at the
holy places that they had long desired to visit. . . .
It was the eleven hundredth year of our Lord, if you subtract
one, when the people of Gaul took the city. It was the 15th day
of July when the Franks in their might captured the city. It was
the eleven hundredth year minus one after the birth of our Lord,
the 15th day of July in the two hundred and eighty-fifth year
after the death of Charles the Great and the twelfth year after
the death of William I of England.
Source:
Fulk (or Fulcher) of Chartres, Gesta Francorum Jerusalem Expugnantium [The Deeds of the Franks Who Attacked Jerusalem], in Frederick
Duncan and August C. Krey, eds., Parallel Source Problems in
Medieval History (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1912), pp.
109-115. [Chapter headings added for the etext version to
match the more modern translation - Fulk of Chartres, A History
of the Expedition to Jerusalem, trans. Frances Rita Ryan,
(Nashville: University of Tennesee Press, 1969)]
"The Vision of Peace"
7. The Gesta Version
Then our leaders in council decided that each one should offer
alms with prayers, that the Lord might choose for Himself whom
He wanted to reign over the others and rule the city. They also
ordered all the Saracen dead to be cast outside because of the
great stench, since the whole city was filled with their corpses;
and so the living Saracens dragged the dead before the exits of
the gates and arranged them in heaps, as if they were houses.
No one ever saw or heard of such slaughter of pagan people, for
funeral pyres were formed from them like pyramids, and no one
knows their number except God alone. But Raymond caused the Emir
and the others who were with him to be conducted to Ascalon, whole
and unhurt. However, on the eighth day after the city was captured,
they chose Godfrey as head of the city to fight the pagans and
guard the Christians. On the day of St. Peter ad Vincula they
likewise chose as Patriarch a certain very wise and honorable
man, Arnulf by name. This city was captured by God's Christians
on the fifteenth day of July, the sixth day of the week.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 262
8. Version of Raymond d'Aguiliers
Accordingly, after six or seven days the princes solemnly began
to consider the matter of choosing a ruler, who, assuming charge
of all matters, should collect the tributes of the region, to
whom the peasants of the land could turn, and who would see to
it that the land was not further devastated. While this was taking
place, some of the clergy assembled and said to the princes, "We
approve your election, but if you proceed rightly and properly,
you will first choose a spiritual vicar, as eternal matters come
before temporal; after this, a ruler to preside over secular matters.
Otherwise, we shall hold invalid whatever you do." The princes
were exceedingly angered when they heard this and proceeded the
more quickly with the election. The clergy had been weakened by
the departure of Lord Adhemar, Pontiff of Puy, who, in his life
had held our army together with holy deeds and words, like a second
Moses. After him, however, William, Bishop of Orange, a man of
good repute, wished to minister to our strength, but he rested
in peace at Marra within a short time. Accordingly, therefore,
the good men having been taken off, the clergy conducted themselves
humbly, all except the Bishop of Albara and some others. However,
the Bishop of Martirano, advancing by other than the right road,
since he had obtained the church of Bethlehem by fraud, was captured
by the Saracens on the third or fourth day and never again appeared
among us. The princes, disregarding admonition and opposition,
urged the Count of St. Gilles to accept the kingdom. But he said
that lie abhorred the name of king in that city, though he would
consent to have others accept it. For this reason they together
chose the Duke and placed him in charge of the Sepulchre of the
Lord.
After this, however, the Duke required the Tower of David from
the Count. But the latter refused, saying that he wished to stay
in that region until Easter, and meanwhile be wanted to keep himself
and his men in honorable state. But the Duke said that he would
give up other places rather than the Tower. And so the disputes
were multiplied. The Counts of Flanders and Normandy favored the
Duke. Almost all from the land of Count Raymond did likewise in
the belief that if the Tower were surrendered he would thereupon
return home. Not alone did the Provençals oppose their
lord, the Count, in this matter, but they also made up many vile
statements about him so that he would not be chosen King. And
so the Count, without the help of companions or friends, handed
over the Tower to the Bishop of Albara for the sake of avoiding
judgment. But the latter, without waiting for judgment, handed
it over to the Duke, and when he was called traitor for having
done this, he said that he had been compelled (to do so) and had
suffered violence. I found this out, in truth, that very many
arms were brought into the house of the Patriarch where the Bishop
was staying near the Holy Sepulchre. But he spoke, also, of violence
done himself and often secretly charged the friends of the Count
with this affair.
So when the Tower had been surrendered, the Count blazed forth
into great anger against his people, saying that he could not
remain disgraced in that country. Accordingly, we set out from
Jerusalem to Jericho, took palms and went to the Jordan. There,
as Peter Bartholomew had commanded, a raft was constructed from
twigs, and with the Count on it we pulled it across the river;
since, forsooth, we had no ship, this plan seemed better to us.
When after this the multitude had been called together, we commanded
that they pray God for the life of the Count and the other princes.
Therefore we proceeded to dress only in a shirt and new breeches,
as we had been commanded about baptism; but why the man of God
so commanded, we still do not know. When these matters had been
accomplished, we returned to Jerusalem.
At this time, Arnulf, chaplain of the Count of Normandy, was chosen
Patriarch by some, the good (clergy) opposing it not only because
be was not a subdeacon, but especially because he was of priestly
birth and was accused of incontinence on our expedition, so much
so that they shamelessly composed vulgar songs about him. But,
led on by such ambition, and disregarding the decrees of the canons
and the infamy of his birth and conscience, be stirred up the
people against the good (clergy) and had himself raised upon the
patriarchal seat with hymns and chants and the great applause
of the people. The divine vengeance exacted from the Bishop of
Martirano, who had been the instigator and executor of this affair,
not only did not terrify Arnulf, but, furthermore, did not prevent
him from depriving of their benefices the clergy who had altars
in the church of the Holy Sepulchre, or those in whose custody
indulgence funds bad been established.
And thus Arnulf, increasing his power, began to inquire from the
inhabitants of the city where the Cross was which pilgrims had
been accustomed to adore before Jerusalem was taken. Although
they denied (this knowledge), and by oath and other signs were
willing to show that they did not know, they were at length compelled
(to yield) and said this: "It is manifest that God has chosen
you, has delivered you from all tribulation, and has given you
figs and many other cities, not by the strength of your valor,
but by blinding the impious in His wrath. Your Lord and Guide
has opened to you the most strongly fortified cities and has won
fearful battles for you. Therefore, why should we stubbornly conceal
from you His good gifts, since we see that God is with you?"
After this, they led them to a certain hall in the church, and,
unearthing the Cross, they gave it up. Thereupon, all our men
rejoiced, and we returned praise and thanks to Almighty God, who
not only gave us the city in which He bad suffered, but likewise
the symbols of His Passion and victory, that we might the more
closely embrace Him with the arms of faith, the more certain the
signs of our salvation that we beheld.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 262-64
The News Spreads
9. The Letter of Manasses II,
Archbishop of Reims
Manasses, by grace of God Archbishop of Reims, to Lambert, his
brother, Bishop of Arras; greeting in Jesus Christ.
Be it known to you, dearest brother, that a true and joyful rumor
has recently come to our ears, which we believe to have come down
not from human knowledge, but from the Divine Majesty- to wit:
Jerusalem stands on high with joy and gladness which it has so
gloriously received from God in our times. Jerusalem, the city
of our redemption and glory, delights with inconceivable joy,
because through the effort and incomparable might f of the sons
of God it has been liberated from most cruel pagan servitude.
And let us also be joyful, whose Christian faith in such times
as these has been placed in a mirror of eternal clarity.
We, therefore, admonished, summoned, and compelled, not only through
the letters of Lord Pope Paschal, but, also, through the most
humble prayers of Duke Godfrey, whom the army of Christ by divine
direction elevated as King, as well as through the mellifluous
entreaties of Lord Arnulf, whom they have unanimously chosen as
Patriarch of the see of Jerusalem - we command with equal affection
that you have every one of your parish churches, without fail,
pray with fasts and almsgiving that the King of Kings and the
Lord of Lords crown the King of the Christians with victory against
the enemy, and the Patriarch with religion and wisdom against
the sects and deceptions of heretics. We command, likewise, and
admonish, through your obedience, that you constrain by threat
all who vowed to go on the expedition and took the sign of the
cross upon themselves to set out for Jerusalem, if they are vigorous
of body and have the means to accomplish the journey. As for the
others, however, do not cease skilfully and most devoutly to admonish
them not to neglect aiding the people of God, so that not only
the first, but likewise the last, may receive the shilling which
is promised to those laboring in the vineyard. Farewell.
Pray for the Bishop of Puy, for the Bishop of Orange, for Anselm,
of Ribemont, and for all the others who lie at rest, crowned with
so glorious a martyrdom.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 264-65
10. The Letter of Pope Paschal
II
Paschal, bishop, servant of the servants of God, to all archbishops,
bishops, and abbots throughout Gaul; greeting and apostolic blessing.
We owe boundless gratitude to the compassion of Almighty God,
since in our time He has deigned to wrest the Church in Asia from
the bands of the Turks and to open to Christian soldiers the very
city of the Lord's suffering and burial. However, we ought to
follow Divine grace with what means He has given us, and effectively
aid our brethren who have remained in those districts which were
once the lands of the people of Palestine or Canaan. Urge, therefore,
all the soldiers of your region to strive for remission and forgiveness
of their sins by hastening to our Mother Church of the East; especially
compel those who have assumed the sign of the cross in pledge
of this journey to hasten thither, unless they are prevented by
the hindrance of poverty. Moreover, we decree that those be held
in disgrace who left the siege of Antioch through weak or questionable
faith; let them remain in excommunication, unless they affirm
with certain pledges that they will return. We furthermore command
that all their possessions be restored to those brethren who are
returning after the victory of the Lord, just as you recall was
ordained in a synodal decree by Urban, our predecessor of blessed
memory. Do thus in all matters, being so zealous in your duty
that by common zeal our Mother Church of the East may be restored
to her due state, the Lord granting it.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 279
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halsall@murray.fordham.edu
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