Medieval Sourcebook:
The Crusaders at Constantinople:
Collected Accounts
OCTOBER, 1096-MAY, 1097
1. Anna Comnena: Hugh the
Great of France
[Alexiad 10:6]
As we said above, there were among the Latins such men as Bohemund
and his fellow counsellors, who, eager to obtain the Roman Empire
for themselves, had been looking with avarice, upon it for a long
time. Seeing an opening for their plans in the expedition which
was promoted by Peter, they stirred up this huge movement; and,
in order to deceive the more simple, they feigned a crusade against
the Turks to regain the Holy Sepulchre and sold all their possessions.
[Alexiad 10:7]
Moreover, a certain Hugh, brother of the King of France, who conducted
himself with the spirit of a navatus on account of his
wealth and power and the nobility of his birth, decided to leave
his fatherland, as if to set out for the Holy Sepulchre. Upon
reaching this decision, he looked forward to a most glorious meeting
and announced in letters full of swollen insolence' to the Emperor:
"Know, O King, that I am King of Kings, and superior to all,
who are under the sky. You are now permitted to greet me, on my
arrival, and to receive me with magnificence, as befits my nobility."
At this time the Governor of Durazzo was John, son of Isaac, the Sebastocrator, of whom we have spoken above. Nicolaus,
Maurocatacalon, in command of the fleet, had arranged his ships
at stations around the port of Durazzo, so that he could make
excursions and watch the seas, lest, perchance, pirate ships might
secretly approach. To each of these men, therefore, the Emperor,
after hearing this letter (from Hugh), immediately sent a message,
bidding the Governor of Durazzo watch closely by land and sea
for the arrival of this man, upon whose coming a messenger was
to be sent quickly to the Emperor. Hugh, however, was to be received
magnificently. He further ordered the commander of the fleet to
be constantly alert and on the watch with every faculty awake,
not with his usual negligence.
Meanwhile Hugh reached the seacoast of Longobardy; there he sent
envoys to the Governor of Durazzo, twentyfour in number, each
decorated with gold and red breastplates. Along with them went
Count Carpenter and that Helia who had fled from the Emperor at
Thessalonica. These men addressed the following message to the
Governor:
"Be it known to you, O Governor, that our lord, Hugh, will
soon be here, bringing with him from Rome the golden banner of
St. Peter; moreover, know that he is the highest leader of all
the armies of France. Prepare yourself, therefore, to receive
him and the army obeying him according to the dignity of his power;
and gird yourself about to meet him."
While they were thus commanding the Governor, Hugh, as it is said,
came from Rome into Longobardy; and leaving Bari toward Illyricum,
be was caught by a most awful storm and lost the greater number
of his ships, together with their oarsmen and passengers. The
little boat in which he saved himself was cast up by the waves,
as though they spewed it forth, on the seacoast which lies half
way between Durazzo and another place called Palus. It,
too, was half cut to pieces. Two men, who were on the watch for
his arrival, met him after he had been saved and pressed him with
these words: "The Governor is awaiting your arrival, desiring
very much to enjoy your coming." Thereupon, Hugh immediately
asked for a horse, and one of those men, dismounting from his
horse, very dutifully gave it over to him. As a result, the Governor,
after seeing that Hugh was safe, was the first to greet him and
asked whither, and whence, and what dangers and evils had befallen
him in sailing. And when he had been set upon his feet and refreshed
with kind words, the Governor then put before him a well-prepared
feast. After dinner he loosed him, but did not yet permit him
to walk about freely, for all these things had been quickly announced
to the Emperor, and the Governor was waiting to find out his commands
from him.
When the Emperor was informed, he quickly sent Butumites to Epidamnus,
which we have often called Durazzo, with orders to bring Hugh
back with him and not to return by the direct road, but, by turning
aside, to bring him to Constantinople through Philippopolis; for
he was afraid of the forces and throngs of Gauls who followed.
The Emperor treated him honorably with all kindness and gave him,
in addition, considerable sums of money. He immediately urged
the man to attach himself to him (the Emperor), and to bind himself
by the customary oaths of the Latins. . . .
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 78-79
2. The Gesta:
Godfrey of Bouillon
Duke Godfrey was the first of all the seignors to come to Constantinople
with a great army. He arrived two days before the Nativity of
Our Lord and camped outside the city, until the, iniquitous Emperor
ordered him to be lodged in a suburb of the city. And when the
Duke had been so lodged, he used to send his squires, under pledge,
day by day to fetch hay and other necessities for the horses.
When now they planned to go wherever they wished, on the strength
of their pledge, the evil Emperor placed a watch upon them and
commanded his Turcopoles and Patzinaks to attack and kill them.
Thereupon, when Baldwin, brother of the Duke, heard of this, he
placed himself in ambush and then found them killing his people.
He attacked them in great anger and, God helping, overcame them.
Capturing sixty of them, he killed some and presented the rest
to the Duke, his brother. When the Emperor had heard of this,
he was exceedingly angry. Then the Duke, seeing that the Emperor
was enraged, went with his men out of the suburb and encamped
outside the city. Moreover, toward evening the Emperor ordered
his forces to attack the Duke and the people of Christ. The unconquered
Duke and the knights of Christ pursued these, killed seven of
them, and drove the rest even to the gates of the city. The Duke,
returning to his tents, remained there for five days, until he
had entered into an agreement with the Emperor. The Emperor told
him to cross the Strait of St. George, and promised to have every
kind of market there, just as at Constantinople, and to distribute
alms to the poor, upon which they could live.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 80
3. Albert of Aix: Godfrey
of Bouillon
With his entire band of pilgrims Godfrey withdrew to the city
of Constantinople itself. There, after pitching their tents, they
lodged, a strong and powerful band, protected by armor and all
warlike equipment. And, behold, at the meeting Hugh, Drogo, William
Carpenter, and Clarebold, set free by the Emperor, were present,
rejoicing because of the arrival of the Duke and of his multitudes,
and meeting the embrace of the Duke and of the others with many
a kiss. And, likewise, the above mentioned messenger of the Emperor
met the Duke, asking him to come to the palace of the Emperor
with some of the chiefs of his army, that be might hear the word
of the King. The rest of his multitude should remain outside the
walls of the city. Scarcely bad the Duke received the message
when, behold, some strangers from the land of the Franks appeared
by stealth in his camp. The strangers cautioned the Duke very
strongly to beware of the wiles and alluring appearance of the
Emperor, and by no means to go to the Emperor because of some
flattering promise, but to sit outside the walls and listen carefully
to all which the Emperor should propose to him. Thereupon, the
Duke, so warned by the strangers, and caught by the deception
of the Greeks, did not go to the Emperor.
For this reason, the Emperor, moved by a violent indignation towards
the Duke and all his army, refused them the privilege of buying
and selling. But when Baldwin, brother of the Duke, learned of
the wrath of the Emperor and saw the need of the people and their
very great lack of necessaries, he pleaded with the Duke and the
leaders to plunder again the region and lands of the Greeks, and
to collect spoils and food, until the Emperor, compelled by this
damage, should again grant the privilege of buying and selling.
Therefore, when the Emperor saw devastation and misfortune befalling
the lands of his kingdom, he once more gave to all the privilege
of buying and selling.
It was the time of the Nativity of the Lord. At that festal time,
and in those days of peace and joy, it seemed to all praiseworthy,
good, and acceptable before God that peace should be restored
on both sides between the household of the Emperor and the Duke
and all the mighty ones of the army. And so, when peace had been
made, they withheld their hands from all plunder and hurt. Accordingly,
during those four holy days they rested in all quiet and happiness
before the walls of the city Constantinople.
Four days after, the legation of the Emperor went to the Duke
asking, for the sake of the Emperor and his entreaties, that he
would move his camp, and with his army lodge in the houses situated
on the shore of the Straight, so that their tents might not become
wet and worn from wintry cold and snow, which was threatening
in that rainy season. Finally, the Duke and all the other leaders
yielded to the will of the Emperor, and, after moving their tents,
they, with all the Christian army, lodged in the castles and turreted
buildings which were along the shore for a distance of thirty
miles. From that day on successively they found and bought every
abundance of food and necessities by order of the Emperor.
Shortly after, an embassy of the Emperor again appeared before
the Duke, urging him to go and learn what the Emperor bad to say.
This the Duke absolutely refused to do, having been warned by
the strangers of the craftiness of the Emperor. But he sent to
him as messengers the distinguished men Conon, Count of Montaigu,
Baldwin of Burg, and Godfrey of Ascha, who were to make excuses
for him, speaking in this manner: "Duke Godfrey to the Emperor;
trust and obedience. Willingly and eagerly would I come before
you to look upon the wealth and glory of your household, were
it not that many evil rumors, which have come to my ears regarding
you, have terrified me. However, I know not whether these reports
have been invented and spread about from envy or malice towards
you." The Emperor, bearing this, warmly protested his innocence
of all these charges, saying that never should the Duke or any
of his followers fear any artifice on his part, but that he would
serve and honor the Duke as his son, and the Duke's associates
as his friends. Then the messengers of the Duke, on their return,
reported favorably on all the good and faithful promises which
they had heard from the Emperor's lips. But the Duke, still placing
little faith in the honeyed promises of the Emperor, again refused
him a conference. And so, between these messages back and forth,
fifteen days rolled away.
Therefore the Emperor, recognizing the firmness of the Duke and
that he could not be lured before him, again took offense and
withdrew the privilege of buying barley, and fish, and then bread,
so that the Duke, thus coerced, could not refuse to enter the
presence of the Emperor. The Emperor, unsuccessful in changing
the Duke's mind, one day had five hundred Turcopoles armed with
bows and quivers taken in ships across the strait. Early in the
morning, they shot the soldiers of the Duke with arrows; some
they killed, others they wounded, keeping them all from the shore,
so that they could not there buy the usual food.
This cruel report was carried immediately to the chair of the
Duke. He thereupon ordered the trumpets to be sounded and all
the people to arm themselves and return to the city of Constantinople
itself, and there to replace their tents. After the trumpets had
been sounded at this command of the Duke, all rushed to arms.
They laid waste the buildings and towers in which they had been
lodged, setting fire to some, pulling others to pieces, thus causing
irreparable damage to Constantinople.
Finally, when the report of this great fire and destruction had
reached the palace, the Duke became excessively alarmed, fearing
that when the flaming buildings and the noise of a moving army
had been noticed, the knights and archers of the Emperor would
suddenly seize the bridge over which they had come from the city
of Constantinople to the palatial residences. Therefore, without
delay he sent Baldwin, his brother, with five hundred armored
knights to seize the bridge, lest any force of the Emperor, anticipating
him, should destroy it, and thus deny the pilgrims passage back
and forth.
Baldwin bad scarcely taken a stand on the middle of the bridge,
when, behold, from right and left, Turcopoles (the soldiers of
the Emperor brought over on the ships) rushed upon them from all
sides with arrows and fiercely attacked them. Baldwin, unable
to resist from the bridge, hastened to escape their arrows by
going across the bridge. Along the dry shore he swiftly betook
himself to the other side of the bridge, (hoping) to hold it and
keep watch upon the walls of the lord and master of the city while
the entire army passed over that bridge, and the Duke with his
men kept guard from the rear. In the meantime, from the gates
opposite St. Argenteus an infinite band of Turcopoles and
soldiers of every kind, equipped with bows and arms of every description,
ran for. ward to attack Baldwin and the whole band of Christian
people. But in the appointed place Baldwin, immovable and unconquered,
withstood their every attack from early morning even to vespers,
until the people were taken across the bridge and lodged in the
camps placed before the walls of the city. Baldwin, with his five
hundred knights, advanced fiercely upon these same Turcopoles
who had come out from the gates and were attacking the people.
Both sides having engaged in heavy battle, very many fell on this
side and that, and very many horses of the Franks perished by
arrows. But Baldwin, conquering at last, forced these harried
and fleeing soldiers of the Emperor to go inside the gates. Then
the Turcopoles and soldiers of the Emperor, indignant that they
had been beaten and put to flight in war, rushed forth again from
the gates in larger numbers to harass and attack the army.
Then the Duke arrived and, since it was night, brought an end
to the fight, advising his brother to return to camp with all
his forces, and to keep his men from fighting during the night.
Likewise, the Emperor himself, fearing that the tempest of war
would become more and more violent, and that his soldiers would
fail and perish in the darkness of evening, commanded peace to
be made, rejoicing that the Duke had been willing to withdraw
his army from battle.
But after sunrise the next day, the people, surging forth at the
command of the Duke, wandered about plundering the lands and kingdom
of the Emperor for six days, so that, to say the least, the pride
of the Emperor and his men seemed to be humbled. When this became
known, the Emperor began to grieve and lament because his lands
and kingdom were being thus devastated. Taking counsel immediately,
he sent a message to the Duke to the effect that he should prohibit
plunder and fire, and that he himself would give satisfaction
in every respect to the Duke. The message ran as follows: "Let
enmity between you and us cease. Let the Duke, upon receiving
hostages as a pledge from me, advance without any doubt that he
will come and return unharmed, assured of all the honor and glory
which we are able to give him and his people." The Duke graciously
agreed, provided hostages were given to whom he could trust his
life and safety; then without doubt he would come to the Emperor,
freely to speak by word of mouth.
Hardly had the legates of the Emperor departed after this response
of the Duke, when, behold, certain other legates, coming to the
same Duke from Bohemund, greeted him, speaking thus: "Bohemund,
the most wealthy prince of Sicily and Calabria, asks that you
by no means enter into peace with the Emperor; but that you withdraw
to Adrianople and Philippopolis, cities of the Bulgarians, and
pass the winter there. You may be certain that this same Bohemund
will come to your aid with all his troops early in the month of
March, to attack the Emperor and to invade his kingdom."
After he had heard the message of Bohemund, the Duke put off answering
it until the next day. Then, upon the counsel of his followers,
he replied that neither for gain nor for the destruction of Christians
had he left his country and kindred, but, rather, in the name
of Christ to pursue the way to Jerusalem. He wished to accomplish
this and to fight the designs of the Emperor, provided he could
regain and keep his favor and good will. The messengers of Bohemund,
upon learning the reply and intention of the Duke, were graciously
commended by him and returned to the country of Apulia, reporting
all as they had heard it from the lips of the Duke.
Learning of this new embassy and suggestion from Bohemund, the
Emperor yet more earnestly urged the Duke and his friends to enter
upon an agreement with him; he would give his most beloved son,
John, as hostage, on condition that they would make peace, would
pass through the country quietly, and would meet him in conference
face to face. Furthermore, be would favor Godfrey and his followers
with the privilege of buying all necessaries. When the Duke learned
that these promises of the Emperor had been made in the form of
a decree, he moved his camp from the wall of the city by the advice
of his council and again withdrew across the bridge to take lodging
in the fortified dwellings on the strait. He admonished all his
people to remain at peace, and to purchase whatever was necessary
without disturbance.
On the following day, he commanded Conon, Count of Montaigu, and
Baldwin of Burg, most noble men and skilled in speaking, to come
before him. He then confidently directed them to receive as hostage
the Emperor's son, which was done. When, therefore, the Emperor's
son had been brought and placed in faithful custody under the
power of the Duke and his men, the Duke was carried at once by
boat through the Strait to Constantinople. Accompanied by the
distinguished men, Werner of Grez, Peter of Dampierre, and the
other leaders, he boldly advanced to the Court of the Emperor
and stood before him, that he might hear his word and reply to
him by word of mouth. Baldwin, however, by no means entered then
into the palace of the Emperor, but remained on the shore with
the multitude.
Upon seeing the magnificence of the Duke and all his men, honorably
clad, as they were, in splendid and rich apparel of purple and
gold, bordered with ermine white as snow, with martin, and other
kinds of fur, such as the princes of Gaul, especially, wear, the
Emperor heartily admired their pomp and splendor. He first graciously
received the Duke, then all his chiefs and companions, whom be
honored with the kiss of peace. Moreover, the Emperor sat in majesty
upon his tbrone, according to his custom, and did not rise to
give the kiss to the Duke, or anyone. But the Duke, together with
his men, bowed with bended knees to kiss so glorious and great
an Emperor. When at last all had received the kiss, according
to their rank, he spoke to the Duke in these words: "I have
heard that you are the most mighty knight and prince in your land,
a man most prudent and of perfect trust, In the presence of this
multitude and more to come, 1, therefore, take you for my adopted
son; and all that I possess I place in your power, that through
you my empire and lands may be saved and freed."
The Duke, appeased and seduced by these friendly and lofty words
of the Emperor, not only recognized himself as his son, according
to the custom of the country, but, likewise, giving him his band,
declared himself his vassal, together with the princes then present,
who followed the Duke in the ceremony. Nor was there delay. Invaluable
gifts of all kinds were brought from the treasury of the Emperor,
both gold and silver, purples, mules, and horses, and all that
he held valuable. So, indeed, the Emperor and the Duke were bound
by the indissoluble bond of perfect faith and friendship, from
the time of the Nativity of the Lord, when the agreement took
place, even to a few days before Pentecost. Every week, four men,
bearing gold besants, with ten measures of money called tartaron,
were sent from the palace of the Emperor to the Duke to provide
sustenance for the soldiers. Wonderful to relate! All that the
Duke distributed to his men from the gifts of the Emperor was
forthwith returned to the treasury of the Emperor in exchange
for food. Nor is this to be wondered at, for none but the Emperor's
wares (such as wine, and oil, as well as grain, barley, and every
kind of food) were in that whole kingdom. And thus the treasury
of the Emperor was always filled with gold and could not be emptied
by any extravagance.
After peace and concord between the Emperor and the Duke had been
made on the conditions we have named, the Duke, still more certain
of the Emperor's faith and friendship, returned to lodge in the
buildings on the Strait and sent back with honor the Emperor's
son, who had remained a hostage up to this time. On the day following,
it was announced through the entire army, by order of the Duke,
that peace and honor should be shown to the Emperor and to all
in his command, and that justice should be preserved in transactions
of buying and selling. Similarly, the Emperor proclaimed in all
his realm that no one, under penalty of death, should harm or
defraud any one of the army, but that they should sell all things
with just weight and measure to the pilgrims, and, indeed, should
lessen the price.
After these events, at the beginning of Lent, the Emperor summoned
the Duke into his presence and begged him, on his pledge of friendship,
to cross the sea and pitch his tents in Cappadocia, on account
of the buildings which his incorrigible people were destroying.
The Duke graciously assented to this, and, after crossing the
river and pitching camp, be and his people tarried on the plains
of Cappadocia.
After this, everything was gradually sold more dearly to the pilgrims,
but, nevertheless, the gifts of the Emperor to the Duke were not
at all diminished, for he feared him greatly. But the Duke, seeing
the difficulty of buying necessaries and unable to endure the
clamor of his people, went often by ship to the Emperor and complained
to him about the high price of food stuffs. Then the Emperor,
as though unaware of this, and unwilling to have it occur, again
lightened the burden for all the pilgrims.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 80-86
4. Anna Comnena: Godfrey of Bouillon
[Alexiad 10:9]
At that time, too, came Count Godfrey, who had crossed the sea
with the other counts and was accompanied by an army of 10,000
knights and 70,000 footsoldiers. He established his force about
the Propontis, his camp extending from the bridge which was opposite
Cosmidion up to St. Phocas. While the Emperor urged him
to cross the strait of the Propontis, he went on from day to day
contriving one excuse or another and put off the matter. The real
reason, to state the matter simply, was that he was awaiting.
the arrival of Bohemund and the other counts. For, though in the
beginning Peter had aroused this great expedition to adore the
Holy Sepulchre, the other counts, Bohemund above all, were cherishing
in mind the old grudge against the Emperor and were awaiting a
favorite opportunity to take vengeance on him for the splendid
victory which he had gained over Bohemund when the latter engaged
him in battle at Larissa. And dreaming that if they were of one
mind they could take Constantinople itself, they had combined
with the same thought and purpose of which we have often made
mention above. Thus, apparently they were making an expedition
to Jerusalem; in reality, however, they wanted to divest the Emperor
of his kingdom and take Constantinople. But the Emperor, long
since acquainted with their wiles, by letter ordered forces of
Gentiles with their leaders to be stationed by squadrons from
the Athyras river up to Philea, a seaport on the Black Sea. (He
also ordered them) to watch in ambush for anyone sent, perchance,
by Godfrey to Bohemund and the rest of the counts who were following,
or by these, in turn, to him, and to deny these messengers all
passage.
In the meantime, while this was going on, the following incident
occurred, somewhat in this way. The Emperor had summoned before
him some of the counts who had come with Godfrey, in order to
urge that they consent to persuade Godfrey to carry out the promise
which be had made under oath. While the time was thus being dragged
out longer (than expected), for the reason that the Latin race
is by nature exceedingly garrulous and wordy, there was reported
to these people the false rumor that the counts had been taken
into custody at the Emperor's command. Thereupon, the Latin legions
surged together in a huge crowd and moved upon Byzantium and without
delay utterly destroyed the palaces which are situated toward
the swamp called Argyra. At the same time they tried the
walls of the city, not with siege machines, for they were not
at hand, but, trusting in their multitude, they resorted to a
piece of insolence: they dared to set fire to the lower gate of
the palace located near the Temple, which had been built in olden
times by one of the Emperors under the invocation of Nicolaus,
the greatest of the holy pontiffs.
At the sight of the Latin legions, not only did all of the basest
class, the foolish and the unwarlike, groan, cry out, and beat
their breasts in their fear, not knowing what else to do; but
even the zealous adherents of the Emperor, mindful of that Friday
on which the seizure of the city had formerly taken place, feared
the present day lest vengeance should fall violently upon them
for the deeds committed at that time. However, all who had any
acquaintance with military practice and skill poured in at the
regal palace, each man coming by himself. But the Emperor neither
armed his sides with breastplate of scale-armor, his left hand
with a shield, his right with a spear, nor girded himself about
with a sword; but, clothed in royal raiment, he seated himself
upon the imperial throne, as though secure. Thus, on the one hand,
he reassured all, injecting courage into their hearts by his happy
look, and, on the other, he discussed with his advisers and military
leaders plans for coming events. First of all, he absolutely refused
to have any armed band led outside of the walls against the Latins,
this for a twofold reason: First, because this was the most sacred
of days, for it was Friday of the greatest, of Holy, Week, when
the Saviour had undergone ignominious death for all. In the second
place, he refused to engage in civil war between Christians. Therefore,
by means of frequent messengers to the Latins he wished to bring
about the cessation of the undertaking which they had begun, saying:
"Remember that on this day there died for us the Lord, who
for the sake of our salvation did not fear to endure the cross,
nails and the lance, punishments befitting criminals. But if your
desire for a fight is so great, we, too, will stand ready after
the coming day of the Lord's resurrection."
But the Latins were so far from yielding to him that they closed
their ranks and threw missiles in such profusion that they struck
across the chest one of the men standing near the Emperor's throne.
At the sight of this, most of those who were standing near fell
back, here and there, from the Emperor, while he, meanwhile, remained
on his throne, not only without any sign of fear, but likewise
reassuring them and chiding them greatly for their fear. All admired
his presence of mind.
Finally, when he saw that the Latins, bereft of all shame, were
invading the walls of the city and scorning his useful counsel,
lie first summoned his son-in-law, Nicephorus, and commanded him
to take with him the strongest men and those skilled in shooting
arrows and go to the top of the wall. He advised him, at the same
time, to hurl down weapons on the Latins as frequently as possible,
but, for the most part, harmlessly, with bad aim, in order to
frighten them, not to kill them. For, as was said above, the Emperor
respected the religious significance of the day and did not wish
to engage in civil war between Christians. At the same time, he
ordered some other chosen leaders (each with his cohorts, most
of them provided with bows, but some armed with long lances) to
charge forth suddenly from the gate which is close to St. Romanus,
thus presenting the appearance of violence to the enemy. The battle
line was so arranged that each spearman should march protected
on each side bowmen armed with shields. Thus arrayed, they were
ordered to advance against the enemy at a slow pace, and archers,
instructed to turn about frequently here and there, were sent
ahead to wound the Gauls at close quarters. Nmv, when the two
lines were a slight distance apart, they were then to order those
bownien who had spearmen at their side to use their bows carefully,
aiming at the horses of the enemy, sparing the riders; and it
was further ordered that the spearmen should charge with loose
reins upon the Latins and with the full weight of their horses.
He gave that order with this in mind, that when their horses were
wounded, the violence of the Gallic attack would languish and
the Romans would not easily be pursued by the knights; and this,
also, which he especially desired, that as little Christian blood
as possible should be shed. These men with ready courage did what
they had been commanded by the Emperor, and, after the gates had
been suddenly opened, they rushed against the enemy, now giving
free rein to their horses, now checking them. Thus they killed
many of the enemy; a few of our men were wounded in this affair
that day. . . . At length the Emperor sent in his own forces and
scattered and routed the legions of the Latins.
On the next day, Hugh set out to meet Godfrey and counselled him
to make peace with the Emperor, if he did not want to try the
warlike skill of the latter anew, to his own hurt, but especially
to pledge that be would keep inviolate his faith to the Emperor.
Godfrey received him very bitterly saying, "Have not you,
who came from home in the spirit and surroundings of a king, with
great forces and wealth, now debased yourself from highest dignity
to the condition and lot of a humble client? And then, as if this
were some great and distinguished deed, you have come to urge
me, too, to this same fate!" In reply to him Hugh said, "In
the first place, we ought not to have departed from our own lands,
and we ought to have stayed away from those of others; but after
we have come hither to this place, where we may have necessities
by the benevolent care and providence of him who rules here, our
business will not turn out happily unless we accede to his counsels
and demands."
When Hugh had returned, the matter only made worse, the Emperor,
informed through other sources that the rest of the counts who
were following Godfrey at a distance were already near, sent chosen
leaders with their forces to the army of Godfrey with orders to
persuade him, but, if necessary, to compel him to cross the Strait.
When the Latins saw them coming, without delay or even questions
of what was wanted, they sprang up immediately to blows and battle.
There occurred a most bitter conflict between them, in which many
on both sides fell. Those of our men who rushed too boldly into
the fray were wounded, but, as the Romans were conducting themselves
valiantly, the Latins turned their backs. And thus, at length,
Godfrey after a short time obeyed the Emperor. He came to him
and in solemn manner took the oath which was demanded of him:
that whatever cities, lands, or fortresses be should thenceforth
capture from the barbarians (which cities, lands, or fortresses
had formerly belonged to the Emperor) he would in good faith hand
over to the military leaders or prefects who should be sent by
the Emperor for this very purpose. When this had been confirmed
by oath, Godfrey was enriched with great gifts by the Emperor;
he was received in the imperial palace and magnificently dined
at the royal table. He then crossed the Strait and pitched his
camp at Pelecanum, the Emperor seeing to it that an ample
supply of necessities was provided everywhere.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 86-90
5. The Gesta: Bohemund:
When the Emperor heard that the most honorable man, Bohemund,
had come to him, he commanded that he be received with honor and
carefully lodged outside the city. When he had been so lodged,
the evil Emperor sent for him to come to speak with him in secret.
Thither, also, came Duke Godfrey with his brother, and at length
the Count of St. Gilles approached the city. Then the Emperor
in anxious and fervid rage was pondering some way by which they
might seize these knights of Christ adroitly and by fraud. But
Divine Grace disclosing (his plans), neither time nor place was
found by him, or his men, to do them ill. At last, all the noble
leaders who were at Constantinople were assembled. Fearing lest
they should be deprived of their country, they decided in their
counsels and ingenious calculations that our dukes, counts, or
all the leaders, ought to make an oath of fealty to the Emperor.
These absolutely refused and said: "It is indeed unworthy
of us, and, furthermore, it seems to us unjust to swear an oath
to him." Perchance we shall yet often be deceived by our
leaders. In the end, what were they to do? They say that under
the force of necessity they humiliated themselves, willy-nilly,
to the will of the most unjust Emperor. To that most mighty man
Bohemund, however, whom he greatly feared because in times past
be (Bohemund) had often driven him from the field with his army,
the Emperor said that, if he willingly took the oath to him, he
would give him, in return, land in extent from Antioch fifteen
days journey, and eight in width. And he (the Emperor) swore to
him in such wise that, if he loyally observed that oath, he would
never pass beyond his own land. Knights, so brave and so sturdy,
why did they do this? For the reason that they were constrained
by much necessity. The Emperor also gave to all our men a pledge
of security. He likewise took oath that he, together with his
army, would come with us, by land and by sea; that be would afford
us faithfully a market by land and sea, and that be would diligently
make good our losses; in addition, that be did not wish, and would
not permit, any of our pilgrims to be disturbed or come to grief
on their way to the Holy Sepulchre.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 93-94
6. Anna Conmena: Bohemund
[Alexiad 10:11]
But when Bohemund had arrived at Apri with his companions, realizing
both that be was not of noble birth, and that for lack of money
be bad not brought with him a large enough army, he hastened,
with only ten Gauls, ahead of the other counts and arrived at
Constantinople. He did this to win the favor of the Emperor for
himself, and to conceal more safely the plans which he was concocting
against him. Indeed, the Emperor, to whom the schemes of the man
were known, for be had long since become acquainted with the bidden
and deceitful dealings of this same Bohemund, took great pains
to arrange it so that before the other counts should come he would
speak with him alone. Thus having heard what Bohemund had to say,
he hoped to persuade him to cross before the others came, lest,
joined with them after their coming, be might pervert their minds.
When Bohemund had come to him, the Emperor greeted him with gladness
and inquired anxiously about the journey and where he had left
his companions. Bohemund responded to all these things as be thought
best for his own interests, affably and in a friendly way, while
the Emperor recalled in a familiar talk his bold undertakings
long ago around Durazzo and Larissa and the hostilities between
them at that time. Bohemund answered, "Then I confess I was
your enemy, then I was hostile. But, behold, I now stand before
you like a deserter to the ranks of the enemy! I am a friend of
your Majesty." The Emperor proceeded to scrutinize the man,
considering him cautiously and carefully and drawing out what
was in his mind. As soon as he saw that Bohemund was ready to
consent to swear an oath of fealty to him, he said, "You
must be tired from the journey and should retire to rest. We will
talk tomorrow about anything else."
So Bohemund departed prepared for him, and he abundance of food
and to Cosmidion, where hospitality was found a table richly laden
with an condiments of all kinds. Then the cooks came and showed
him the uncooked flesh of animals and birds, saying: "We
have prepared this food which you see on the table according to
our skill and the custom of this region; but if, perchance, these
please you less, here is food, still uncooked, which can be prepared
just as you order." The Emperor, because of his almost incredible
tact in handling men, bad commanded that this be done and said
by them. For, since be was especially expert in penetrating the
secrets of minds and in discovering the disposition of a man,
be very readily understood that Bohemund was of a shrewd and suspicious
nature; and be foresaw what happened. For, lest Bohemund should
conceive any suspicion against him, the Emperor had ordered that
raw meats be placed before him, together with the cooked, thus
easily removing suspicion. Neither did his conjecture fail, for
the very shrewd Bohemund took the prepared food, without even
touching it with the tips of his fingers, or tasting it, and immediately
turned around, concealing, nevertheless, the suspicion which occurred
to him by the following ostentatious show of liberality. For under
the pretext of courtesy he distributed all the food to those standing
around; in reality, if one understood rightly, he was dividing
the cup of death among them. Nor did he conceal his cunning, so
much did he hold his subjects in contempt; for he this day used
the raw meat which bad been offered to him and bad it prepared
by his own cooks after the manner of his country. On the next
day he asked his men whether they were well. Upon their answering
in the affirmative, that they were indeed very well, that not
even one felt even the least indisposed, be disclosed his secret
in his reply: "Remembering a war, once carried on by me against
the Emperor, and that strife, I feared lest perchance he had intended
to kill me by putting deadly poison in my food."
Such a man was Bohemund. Never, indeed, have I seen a man so dishonest.
In everything, in his words as well as in his deeds, be never
chose the right path; and when anyone deviates from the moderation
of virtue, it makes little difference to whatsoever extreme he
goes, for he is always far from honesty.
For the rest, the Emperor then summoned Bohemund and exacted from
him the usual oath of the Latins. The latter, knowing well his
own resources, and realizing that he was neither of noble birth
nor well supplied by fortune with wealth, for he had no great
force, but only a moderate number of Gauls with him, and being,
besides, dishonest in character, readily submitted himself to
the will of the Emperor.
After this, the Emperor saw to it that a room in the palace was
so filled with a collection of riches of all kinds that the very
floor was covered with costly raiment, and with gold and silver
coins, and certain other less valuable things, so much so that
one was not able even to walk there, so hindered was he by the
abundance of these things. The Emperor ordered the guide suddenly
and unexpectedly to open the doors, thus revealing all this to
Bohemund. Amazed at the spectacle, Bohemund exclaimed: "If
such riches were mine, long ago I would have been lord of many
lands!" The guide answered, "And all these things the
Emperor bestows upon you today as a gift." Most gladly Bohemund
received them and with many gracious thanks he left, intending
to return to his rest in the inn. But changing his mind when they
were brought to him, be, who a little before bad admired them,
said: "Never can I let myself be treated with such ignominy
by the Emperor. Go, take those things and carry them back to him
who sent them." The Emperor, knowing the base fickleness
of the Latins, quoted this common saying, "Let the evil return
to its author." Bohemund having heard this, and seeing that
the messengers were busily bringing these things back to him,
decided anew about the goods which be had sent back with regret,
and, like a polypus, changed in a moment, he now showed a joyous
countenance to the bearers. For he was quick, and a man of very
dishonest disposition, as much surpassing in malice and intrepidity
all the Latins who bad crossed over as be was inferior to them
in power and wealth. But even though he thus excelled all in great
cunning, the inconstant character of the Latins was also in him.
Verily, the riches which he spurned at first, he now gladly accepted.
For when this man Of evil design had left his country in which
he possessed no wealth at all (under the pretext, indeed, of adoring
at the Lord's Sepulchre, but in reality endeavoring to acquire
for himself a kingdom), be found himself in need of much money,
especially, indeed, if be was to seize the Roman power. In this
he followed the advice of his father and, so to speak, was leaving
no stone unturned.
Moreover, the Emperor, who understood fully his wicked intention
and perverse mind, skillfully managed carefully to remove whatever
might further Bohemund's ambitious designs. Wherefore, Bohemund,
seeking a home for himself in the East and using Cretan scheming
against Cretans, did not obtain it. For the Emperor feared lest,
after obtaining power, be would use it to place the Latin counts
under obligation to him, finally thus accomplishing easily what
be wished. But since he did not want Bohemund to surmise that
be was already discovered, the Emperor misled him by this hope:
"Not yet," he said, "has the time come for the
thing which you say; but after a little it shall come about by
your fortitude and trust in me."
After the Emperor had bestowed upon the Gauls promises, gifts,
and honors of every kind, the next day be solemnly took his seat
on the imperial throne. Summoning Bohemund and all the counts,
be talked about the things which would happen to them on the journey.
He wanted, likewise, to show what methods and means of warfare
the Turks were wont to employ, and to give directions bow the
line of battle should be drawn up against them, bow fleeing Turks
too far. And so, both by gifts of money and by ambushes should
be set, and bow they ought not to follow the flattering speeches,
be soothed the rude nature of the people, and, after giving useful
advice, be persuaded them to pass over the sea. . . .
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 94-97
7. Raymond d'Aguiliers:
Raymond of Toulouse and Adhémar of Le Puy
Although events have lightly accompanied the writer so far with
happy and favorable step, they now follow with so great a weight
of bitterness and sorrow that it grieves me to have begun what
I have vowed to finish. What, indeed; is the most important and
first matter that I shall proceed to mention? The most false and
detestable deceit of the Emperor's admonition? Or the most base
flight and unthinkable desperation of our army? Or shall I leave
a monument of perpetual sorrow by enumerating the deaths of such
great princes? Let any one who desires to know this, however,
seek it rather from others than from me. This one very memorable
event I consider to merit excuse from silence. When our men thought
of abandoning the camp, taking flight, deserting their fellows,
and leaving everything that they had brought along from such distant
regions, they were brought back by the saving deeds of penance
and fast to such staunch fortitude that only shame at their former
desperate condition and flight most deeply affected them. So much
may be said about this.
Accordingly, when the Count had been received most honorably by
the Emperor and his princes, the Emperor demanded of the Count
homage and the oath which the other princes had made to him. The
Count replied that he had not come hither to make another his
lord or to fight for any other than the One for whom be bad left
his country and his possessions. Nevertheless, if the Emperor
would go to Jerusalem with the army, he would commit himself and
his men and all his goods to him. But the Emperor excused himself
from the journey by saying that he greatly feared lest the Germans,
Hungarians, Cumans, and other wild peoples would devastate his
empire, if he made the journey with the pilgrims. Meanwhile the
Count, upon bearing of the flight and death of his men, believed
that he had been betrayed, and through certain of our princes
he vehemently charged the Emperor with having committed treason.
But Alexius said that he did not know that our men had devastated
his kingdom, and that be and his men had suffered many injuries;
that there was nothing of which the Count could complain, except
that while the army of the Count in its usual manner was devastating
the villages and towns, it took to flight upon seeing his (the
Emperor's) army. Nevertheless, he promised that he would give
satisfaction to the Count and offered Bohemund as a hostage for
the satisfaction. They went to trial; the Count, according to
law, was compelled to give up his hostage.
Meanwhile, our army came to Constantinople; and after this the
Bishop, whom the army had left ill at Durazzo, followed us with
his brother. Alexius asked (homage) again and again and promised
that he would give much to the Count if he would do him the desired
homage as the other princes had done. The Count, however, was
constantly meditating how he might avenge the injury to his men,
and drive away from himself and his followers the disgrace of
such great infamy. But the Duke of Lorraine, the Count of Flanders,
and the other princes deprecated such action , saying that it
would be very foolish to fight with Christians when the Turks
were threatening. Bohemund, indeed, promised that he would aid
the Emperor, if the Count made any attempt against the Emperor,
or if he no longer refused homage and oath. Thereupon, the Count
took counsel with his men and swore that neither in person nor
through another would be sully the life or honor of Alexius. And
when asked about homage, he replied that he would not do it at
the risk of his head, wherefore the Emperor gave him few gifts.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 97-98
8. The Gesta: Raymond
of Toulouse
The Count of St. Gilles, however, was lodged outside the city
in a suburb, and his force bad remained behind. Accordingly, the
Emperor bade the Count do homage and fealty to him, as the others
had done. And while the Emperor was making these demands, the
Count was meditating how he might take vengeance on the army of
the Emperor. But Duke Godfrey and Robert, Count of Flanders, and
the other princes said to him that it would be unjust to fight
against Christians. The wise man, Bohemund, also said that if
the Count should do the Emperor any injustice, and should refuse
to do him fealty, he himself would take the part of the Emperor.
Accordingly, the Count, after receiving the advice of his men,
swore that he would not consent to have the life and honor of
Alexius sullied either by himself or by anyone else. When be was
called upon for homage, he answered that he would not do this
at the risk of his head.
Then the host of Lord Bohemund approached Constantinople. Tancred,
indeed, and Richard of Principati, and almost the whole of Bohemund's
force with him, crossed the Strait by stealth, to avoid the oath
to the Emperor. And now the army of the Count of St. Gilles approached
Constantinople. The Count remained there with his own band. Therefore
the illustrious man, Bobernund, stayed behind with the Emperor,
in order to plan with him how they might provide a market for
the people who were beyond the city of Nicaea.
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 98-99
9. Anna Comnena: Raymond of Toulouse:
[Alexiad 10:11]
One of them especially, the Count of St. Gilles, he particularly
favored because he saw in him superior prudence, tested sincerity,
candor of bearing, and finally, such great zeal for truth that
he never placed anything before it. He was as far superior to
all the other Latins in all virtues as the sun is above the other
stars. For this reason, therefore, the Emperor kept him near him
for the time being.
When at the wish of the Emperor all had crossed over the Propontis
and had arrived at Damalium, Alexius, thus relieved from
care and trouble, had the Count of St. Gilles summoned and in
talks showed him very distinctly what he thought might happen
to the Latins on the way. At the same time, he disclosed to him
what suspicions he was cherishing about the intentions and plans
of the Gauls. He often spoke freely about them with the Count
of St. Gilles, opening the doors of his heart to him, as it were,
and making everything clearly known to him. He sometimes warned
him, also, to keep close watch against the malice of Bohemund,
so as to check him immediately if be should try to break his agreement,
and to strive in every way to destroy his schemes. The Count of
St. Gilles replied: "Since Bohemund has inherited perjury
and deceit, as it were, it would be very surprising if he should
be faithful to those promises which he has made under oath. However,
I will try to carry out what you command, in so far as I can."
Then at the wish of the Emperor he departed, joining himself to
the forces of the united Gauls....
Source:
August. C. Krey, The First Crusade: The Accounts of Eyewitnesses
and Participants, (Princeton: 1921), 99
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