To what extent do you agree that the Gesta Francorum is a simple soldier's straightforward account of the First Crusade

Essay , 2003 , 18 Pages , Grade: 54 %

History of Europe - Middle Ages, Early Modern Age

In the eleventh century the Christian lands of Western Europe were in trouble.
Afflicted by the repeated invasions from North and South and East, by the collapse of
internal order, by brutal oppression of the weak, by the laxity and ignorance of the
clergy, and by the unrestrained tyranny of feudal war lords, life in the West was – in
the words of Thomas Hobbs - “nasty, brutish, and short”1. The problems were
compounded, when nomadic soldiers – recently converted to Islam – occupied
Jerusalem and the Holy Land, thus causing the pilgrimage to them far more
hazardous. But all the prayers, the sermons the condemnations and the appeals had
amounted too little until in November 1095, Pope Urban II preached in Clermont. For
his largely ignorant and unreflective audience, the Pope threw a harsh light of
criticism on the fallings of Western society. But he pointed out, that the liberation of
Jerusalem2 and the Holy Land from the “infidels” was a redemptive task worthy of
men, who could call themselves milites Christi3, the liberation of the Eastern Church,
alone was “unpopular in the West”4. At a stroke, Pope Urban intended to divert the
reckless and violent men of the West into the path of righteousness. At the end of the
tenth century the Church attempted to set a formal limit of customary violence.5 They
could now practise warfare in a holy course. [...]

1 http://www.kaiku.com/cloisters.html (24.02.2003)
2 H. E. Mayer, The Crusades, translation by J Gillingham, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1972),
41-48 and Jonathan and Louise Riley-Smith, The Crusades: Idea and Reality 1095-1274, (London:
Edward Arnold, 1981), 43-44.
3 K. B. Wolf, ‘Crusade and narrative: Bohemond and the Gesta Francorum’, Journal of Medieval
History Vol. XVII, David Abulafia et al (eds.) (Amsterdam: 1991), 209.
4 Erdmann, The Origin of the Idea of Crusade, 330.
5 Under the terms of Pax Dei the Bishops tried to place certain classes of people and property beyond
the reach of warring factions. At the same time, the Truga Dei took a lead from an earlier decree by
Carolus Magnus and limited the time available for fighting.

Table of Contents

• To what extent do you agree that the Gesta Francorum is a simple soldier's straightforward account of the First Crusade?
• He, who controls the past, commands the future. He, who commands the future, conquers the past.
• The First Crusade
• The Crusade's Origins
• Bohemond of Taranto and the Norman Campaign
• The Gesta Francorum and its Author
• The Siege of Nicaea
• The Battle of Dorylaeum
• The March to Antioch
• The Siege of Antioch

Objectives and Key Themes

This work examines the historical context of the First Crusade, focusing on the account of Bohemond of Taranto and his Norman forces as depicted in the Gesta Francorum. The paper aims to assess the extent to which the Gesta Francorum offers a straightforward, unbiased perspective of the First Crusade or if it presents a more nuanced account influenced by Bohemond's own motivations and perspective.

• The historical context of the First Crusade
• The role of religious zeal and ambition in motivating the crusaders
• The relationship between the crusaders and the Byzantine Empire
• The influence of the Gesta Francorum as a historical source
• The impact of the crusader armies on the people and landscapes of the Holy Land

Chapter Summaries

• The First Crusade: This section sets the scene for the First Crusade, discussing the state of Western Europe in the 11th century and the call to arms issued by Pope Urban II. It highlights the motivations behind the crusade, including religious fervor and individual ambition.
• Bohemond of Taranto and the Norman Campaign: This chapter introduces Bohemond of Taranto, a prominent Norman leader, and explores his decision to participate in the crusade. The section discusses the role of personal ambition in Bohemond's motivations.
• The Gesta Francorum and its Author: This chapter analyzes the Gesta Francorum, an anonymous account of the First Crusade, likely written by a Norman knight who served under Bohemond. It explores the author's perspective and his portrayal of events.
• The Siege of Nicaea: This section recounts the first major military victory of the crusade, the capture of Nicaea. It highlights the conflict between the crusaders and the Byzantine Empire and the challenges of coordinating a diverse army.
• The Battle of Dorylaeum: This chapter describes the battle of Dorylaeum, a key confrontation between the crusaders and the Turkish forces. The section analyzes the tactics and challenges faced by the crusaders and the strategic importance of the battle.
• The March to Antioch: This section follows the crusader army as they march towards Antioch, encountering hardships and difficulties along the way. It explores the relationship between the crusaders and the local population.
• The Siege of Antioch: This chapter details the siege of Antioch, a crucial moment in the crusade, and discusses the strategies and challenges faced by the crusaders.

Keywords

Key terms and concepts explored in this work include: the First Crusade, Bohemond of Taranto, the Gesta Francorum, the Byzantine Empire, the Turkish forces, religious zeal, personal ambition, the Holy Land, historical sources, and the impact of the crusader armies.

• College: University of Wales, Aberystwyth (Department of History)
• Course: HIH 3124
• Grade: 54 %
• Author: Michael Gärtner (Author)
• Publication Year: 2003
• Pages: 18
• Catalog Number: V13980
• ISBN (eBook): 9783638194945
• Language: English
• Tags: Gesta, Francorum, First, Crusade