William of Tyre (1130-1186) was one of the generations of Europeans who grew up in the new Kingdom of Jerusalem. William was born in Jerusalem and became a priest in the Church in the Holy Land, eventually rising to be Archbishop of Tyre, engaging in politics as an ambassador in his time. His “Chronicle of the Deeds Done Beyond the Sea” is one of our best sources for understanding the First Crusade. Here he tells the story of the ragtag band of Crusaders who answered the call of pope and Eastern Roman emperor to free the Holy City of Jerusalem as they arrived before their ultimate destination. William is not blind to the horrors of war and includes the bloody capture of the city in which “even the victors experienced sensations of horror and loathing.” But William, unlike many modern commentators, is not rendered unable to appreciate the glory and the triumph of crusade. In William’s words we can see the crusade as the crusaders saw it, as both a spiritual and temporal venture. Our story picks up after a long siege, when the leaders of the Christians call for spiritual preparation.
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During this time, however, a serious disagreement had arisen between the count of Toulouse and Lord Tancred, and there was discord also among some of the other nobles for various reasons. It seemed necessary, therefore, to the chiefs, as well as to the bishops, the clergy, and, in fact, to the entire people, that full and loving harmony should first of all be restored to their ranks. Then, with sincere hearts, they would be able to implore divine aid.
A fast was accordingly proclaimed to the people by public decree for a certain day. Clad in their sacerdotal robes and with bare feet, the bishops and clergy led their people with the utmost reverence to the Mount of Olives. In their hands they bore crosses and relics of the saints. There the venerable Peter the Hermit and Arnulf, a learned man, a friend of the count of Normandy, preached to the people. With eloquent words they besought all to show a spirit of forbearance toward one another.
The Mount of Olives lies about a mile distant over against the city on the east, beyond the valley of Jehoshaphat. Hence St. Luke speaks of it as a sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem. It was from this mount that, forty days after His resurrection, our Saviour ascended into heaven before the eyes of His disciples and a cloud received Him from their sight.
When the faithful reached this place, they implored aid from on high with deep humility and contrition, amid heartfelt sobs and sighs. The leaders became reconciled to one another, and all the people again entered into a state of mutual love. Then they went down from the mount and once more ascended to the church of Mt. Sion which, as has been said, was situated near the city on the south, at the top of the mount.
Meanwhile the citizens [of Jerusalem] were filled with wonder as to the meaning of this procession round the city. From the walls and towers, with bows and ballistae, they kept hurling missiles on the crowded ranks of the Christians, whence some of our people who did not exercise due caution received wounds. To show their scorn and contempt for the Christians, the infidels had set up crosses on the walls, and on these they vented all kinds of shameful insults. They even spit upon them and in other ways indulged their feelings with filthy abuse. With brazen insolence they kept pouring forth blasphemous words and taunts against our Lord Jesus Christ and His doctrine of salvation. Although filled with wrath such as sacrilege alone can awaken, the Christians proceeded to carry out their vows in entire devotion and at length arrived at the church, their destination.
After prayers had once more been completed there, the day was appointed on which, as with one accord, they were to attack the city. Then, after the procession around the city had been completed, the army returned to camp. Commands were given that if anything was lacking for the successful completion of the task, it should be supplied immediately, that there might be no delay from lack of attention to detail, when the moment for the attack arrived.
The day set for attacking the city approached. On the night before, the duke and the two illustrious counts moved their camp. For they perceived that the section of the wall which they had been blockading was particularly well defended by machines, weapons, and valiant warriors. Well aware that there was more to be feared from that side, the infidels had fortified it all the more strongly. In view of these defenses, the leaders saw that they could not hope to accomplish much on the following day. It appeared to them, and rightly, that the other side of Jerusalem, which had not been invested, was being guarded with less care. Accordingly, that night, with remarkable foresight and great labor, they transferred their machines and the siege tower, piece by piece, before the parts were put together, to that part of the city which lies between the gate of St. Stephen and the tower at the corner on the north, overlooking the valley of Jehoshaphat. The camp also was moved thither. Strenuous work throughout the entire night enabled them to transport and assemble the engines and to locate them in their proper places before the sun rose. The movable tower was applied to the fortifications at a place where the wall was somewhat lower and the approach more level and more easily accessible. It was so placed that the defenders in their towers and the fighters in this siege engine might almost seem to be contending in a hand-to-hand struggle. The task thus accomplished was not slight, for ere sunrise the engines had been moved half a mile from the former location of the camp, the parts assembled, and the machines set up in their new positions.
At dawn the citizens hurried to the walls to see what the Christians were doing outside. To their amazement they found that a part of the camp which for the last two days had stood there had disappeared with all its martial equipment. They scanned the vicinity and the circuit of the wall carefully and discovered that the duke’s camp had been moved and the engines set up in the place just described.
Throughout that same night, in other parts of the city, in the same way that they had placed their camps in the order related, the other chiefs also had continued their work. They too had kept vigilant watch and had set up their engines. Practically simultaneously, the count of Toulouse attached the tower which he had had made with such care to the ramparts between the church of Mt. Sion and the city, and the other chiefs who occupied the position around the tower at the corner, now known as the tower of Tancred, also moved up to the wall, with equal care and effort, a wooden tower, which in height and solid construction almost matched the others.
The appearance and workmanship of the three machines was very similar. They were square structures, and the side facing the city was protected by a double covering. By a skilful device the outer one of the two could be let down in such a manner as to form a bridge between the tower and the wall. This furnished the soldiers a means of access to the city. This maneuver did not leave the side of the machine exposed, however, for when the outer covering was let down, the second layer beneath it afforded quite as much protection as that of the other sides.
At daybreak, according to arrangement, the entire Christian army stood before the city, fully armed and ready for the attack. One single purpose fired the hearts of all — either to restore Jerusalem to the enjoyment of Christian liberty or to give up their lives for Christ’s sake. There was not one person in that great throng, whether aged or sick or even very young, who did not fervently and zealously long for battle. Even women, regardless of sex and natural weakness, dared to assume arms and fought manfully far beyond their strength. Thus the Christians advanced with one accord to battle. All tried to push the newly constructed engines closer to the wall so that they might more easily attack those who were putting up a strenuous resistance on the ramparts and the towers.
The citizens, determined for their part to withstand their enemies to the utmost, sent forth showers of arrows and missiles. Stones, hurled both by hand and from the machines, fell with fearful force, as the infidels tried by every device to keep our people from approaching the wall. But the Christians, protected by their shields and the wickerwork screens which they held out before them, showed no less activity. Showers of darts rained from their bows and ballistae, and volleys of stone missiles poured forth from the engines as the pilgrims, undismayed, strove to approach closer to the fortifications. They were seeking to weaken the courage of their foes and granted them not a moment’s respite. Some, stationed inside the movable tower, kept trying to push it forward by means of poles; others at the engines sent huge rocks crashing against the walls, in the hope that the constant collision and continual blows might weaken them so that they would fall. Still others, armed with smaller weapons called mangons, threw stones of lesser size and toiled zealously to prevent the defenders on the ramparts from harming our fighters.
Yet those who were trying to push forward the engine were not as successful as they desired, for a wide and deep ditch before the bulwarks greatly hindered the progress of the machine, nor did those who were attempting to make a breach in the walls meet with satisfactory results. For from the outer walls the citizens had hung sacks filled with straw and chaff, together with ropes and tapestries, huge beams, and mattresses stuffed with silk. The soft and yielding character of these buffers rendered the blows of the missiles ineffective and defeated all the efforts of the assailants. Moreover, the enemy had likewise set up engines within the city which much exceeded ours in number. From these, arrows and stones were continually hurled to hinder the work of the Christians. Thus, as both sides were exerting themselves to the utmost and fighting with bitter hatred, the conflict continued from morning to night. It was persistent and terrible beyond belief; spears and arrows fell like hail upon both armies, and stone missiles, hurled from the opposing hosts, collided in the very air and brought death in many a varied form to the fighters.
Equal labour and equal danger fell to the lot of all, whether they were fighting under the banner of the duke or under those of the count of Toulouse and the other leaders, for, as has been mentioned, the attack was being made simultaneously in three places with equal fervor and enthusiasm. The work of the Christians was much increased, however, by the fact that it was necessary to fill up the moat with rubbish, stones, and earth before a road could be made along which to move the machines.
Equally arduous and more trying, however, was the task of the defenders as they endeavored to hinder the besieging forces. They continued to put up a valiant resistance against the equally strenuous efforts of the besiegers. In their desperate efforts to burn the engines of the Christians they hurled down burning brands, darts laden with burning sulphur, pitch, pasta, oil, or anything that would furnish fuel to the flames. Moreover, so skillfully were the blows of the huge engines which had been built within the city directed against those of the Christians outside that the supports of the latter soon began to weaken and the sides became perforated. The fighters who had ascended to the upper stories of the tower to attack the city from that height were greatly alarmed and barely escaped being thrown to the ground. At length, however, by pouring on quantities of water from above, the Christians succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the fire throwers, and the fury of the flames was checked.
The approach of night put an end to this conflict so courageously waged in the midst of extreme danger, yet even then the result was indecisive. During the watches of the night, the fighters obtained some measure of bodily rest, yet the never-ceasing turmoil of spirit prevented sleep and caused them to labor no less. Their hearts, harassed by biting cares, surged within them as, ever mindful of their purpose, they eagerly waited for the dawn, when they might again return to the combat. Ardently they longed to try once more the fortune of battle, for they had faith in the Lord that they were about to draw a better lot and win the palm of victory.
Nevertheless, their anxiety was great lest the enemy, by some means, might furtively set fire to the engines. Hence they maintained a continual watch over them and passed a sleepless night.
The besieged were tortured by no less biting fear. Their especial dread was that the foe, whose intrepid attack they had witnessed on the day just passed, might seize the opportunity afforded by the silence of midnight to gain entrance to the city, either by making a breach in the wall or by scaling the fortifications. Throughout the entire night, therefore, they too with zealous care patrolled the circuit of the fortifications with the watchful diligence of those to whom it was a matter of life and death. In each tower were stationed officers of the night watch.
Meanwhile, the elders and those upon whom rested the chief responsibility for the city kept making the rounds of the streets. They admonished others also to keep a diligent watch for the sake of their wives and children, their own property, and the public weal. Carefully they scrutinized the gates and ways, that no opportunity might be given for the wiles of the enemy.
Thus both armies were afflicted with similar anxieties, nor did their watchful solicitude grant them any time for repose. The incessant mental turmoil, which kept their hearts and minds in agitation, was far more trying for both sides than the actual conflict on the field of battle which they had endured the day before.
The night was drawing to a close, and the first rays of light were already beginning to announce the approach of the longed-for day. The people, animated with the most intense zeal, were again summoned to the conflict. Each man returned at once to the post of duty which had been assigned him on the previous day. Some, at the hurling machines, kept throwing immense stones of great weight against the walls. Others, from lower positions in the siege engine, exerted all their skill and strength in pushing it forward. Still others, stationed on the top story of the same machine, harried the foe in the opposite towers with showers of missiles from their bows and ballistae or with any other weapons at hand. So persistent and effective was this bombardment that the defenders dared not raise a hand and were forced to remain within the ramparts. When the moat had been filled and the forewalls breached, some of the besiegers worked with all their might to push the tower nearer. Meanwhile a still larger force kept up a constant hail of stones and arrows to drive back the defenders from the ramparts, so that they might not hinder those who were pushing the engine forward.
But as the citizens saw the efforts of the Christians increase, they too endeavored the more diligently to meet every stratagem with a like stratagem and to repel force by force. They too kept hurling back darts and stone missiles in retaliation against the besiegers and against those who were trying to advance the tower, and displayed an admirable energy which successfully hindered their progress. And in the hope of putting an end to our effort once for all, they hurled down fire upon the machines in fragile jars and in every other possible way. They also threw down sulphur and pitch, grease and fat, wax, dry wood and stubble—anything, in fact, that might help to feed the flame by acting as fuel. As a result, in both armies frightful havoc was wrought, and many, both knights and foot soldiers, perished by various mishaps and unforeseen accidents. Some were crushed to atoms by missiles hurled from the engines, others collapsed suddenly, pierced through both breastplate and shield by the showers of arrows and spears. Some died immediately, struck by sharp rocks hurled either by hand or from the machines. Others lived on with shattered limbs disabled for many days or, perchance, forever. Nevertheless, these many perils could not deter the contestants from their undertaking nor lessen their fervent determination to fight. Nor was it easy to judge which people contended with the greater enthusiasm.
It does not seem right, however, to pass over in silence a notable event which is said to have happened that day. Among their other machines outside the walls, the Christians had one which caused dreadful slaughter among the defenders by the violent impetus with which it hurled forth rocks of immense weight. When the infidels perceived that no skill of theirs could prevail against this, they brought two sorceresses to bewitch it and by their magic incantations render it powerless. These women were engaged in their magic rites and divinations on the wall when suddenly a huge millstone from that very engine struck them. They, together with three girls who attended them, were crushed to death and their lifeless bodies dashed from the wall. At this sight great applause rose from the ranks of the Christian army and exultation filled the hearts of all in our camp. On the other hand, deep sorrow fell upon the people of Jerusalem because of that disaster. Although the conflict had endured unto the seventh hour of the day, the result was still doubtful without definite victory for either side. The Christians, wearied beyond their strength, were now beginning in despair to relax their strenuous efforts. The tower was almost completely wrecked by the continual battering to which it had been subjected, and the other machines were smoking from contact with the firebrands which had been hurled upon them. It seemed best under the circumstances to draw them back a little and defer continuing the combat until the morrow. The people were now beginning to feel doubtful of success, their courage was giving way, and gradually they were falling out of the ranks. The enemy, on the contrary, waxed ever more insulting and flung out the challenge to battle with more boldness than usual. At this crisis, divine aid came to the relief of the faithful and, in their desperate need, brought them aid according to their wish. For on the Mount of Olives appeared a warrior who never was seen thereafter. Waving a splendid gleaming shield, he gave the legions the signal to return and renew the combat.
Duke Godfrey and his brother Eustace had stationed themselves in the upper story of the movable tower, that they might take part in the attack and also see that the siege engine was properly protected. When the duke caught sight of this wondrous vision he was filled with joy and at once began with loud shouts to call back the people and the more important leaders. Thereupon, led by the mercy of God, the entire people returned in exaltation of spirit to the fray. So enthusiastic were they that it seemed as if they were beginning the battle anew with fresh strength. Even those who had lately withdrawn, suffering under the burden of wounds or fainting from exhaustion, now returned voluntarily and advanced to the attack with redoubled strength and increased ardor. The leaders and those distinguished men who formed the support of the army led the way and, by their example, inspired the rest with courage. The women also, that they might have their share in the work, cheered the fighters to renewed courage by their words and brought them water in small vessels that they might not faint upon the field of battle.
Joy reigned in the camp as if victory were already assured. Within an hour the moat had been filled, the outer wall broken down, and the siege engine applied by force to the walls.
It has been already stated that the citizens had hung from the ramparts immensely heavy beams of great length to deaden the blows of the machines. Our fighters in the siege tower succeeded in cutting the ropes which held two of these buffers. They fell to the ground, where they were caught by men below although not without great risk. They were immediately carried inside the machine and used to reinforce the bridge which, as will be explained later, was thrown across from the movable tower to the wall. For the timbers which formed the bridge were weak and would not have supported the weight of the people who were to cross it, had it not been strengthened by these solid beams which were placed beneath it.
While the assault on the northern side of the city was being carried on with such vigor, the count of Toulouse and those who were with him were attacking from the south with equal fervor. For three successive days they had worked without respite to fill up the moat. When this was finished, they applied a siege engine to the wall by force, in such a position that the defenders in the towers and the Christians in the siege engines could almost have wounded one another with their lances. The enthusiasm of the fighters everywhere was equal and their perseverance the same. They pressed on the work with more than usual energy because a certain servant of Christ, who dwelt on the Mount of Olives, had promised them confidently that on this day Jerusalem would be taken. The sign of the waving shield from the Mount of Olives, which they too had seen, had likewise kindled their ardor greatly and made them still more sure that victory would be theirs. The work of both these Christian hosts seemed to progress with equal pace. It seemed, indeed, as if it were directed with equal care by the same great Leader, who had determined to repay the devotion of His servants with a fitting reward. It was indeed time that the fruit of such mighty efforts and the recompense for military service so faithfully rendered should be received.
The legions of the duke and the two counts, who, as we have stated, were attacking the city on the north, had, by the aid of God, succeeded in shattering the outworks and filling up the moat. The enemy, now utterly exhausted, could resist no longer. Accordingly, the Christian troops were able to approach the wall without danger, for only here and there were found adversaries bold enough to try to attack them through the loopholes.
At the duke’s command, the fighters in the siege engines had set on fire sacks of straw and cushions stuffed with cotton. Fanned into a blaze by the north wind, these poured forth such dense smoke into the city that those who were trying to defend the wall could scarcely open their mouths or eyes. Bewildered and dazed by the torrent of black smoke, they abandoned the defense of the ramparts. As soon as this situation became apparent, the duke ordered the beams which had been rescued from the enemy to be brought aloft at once and so placed that one end rested on the machine and the other on the wall. He then caused the movable side of the siege tower to be lowered. This, supported by the heavy beams which had been placed beneath it, formed a bridge of sufficient strength. Thus material which the enemy had brought in for their own benefit was turned to their injury.
When the bridge had been adjusted in this manner, the noble and illustrious Duke Godfrey, accompanied by his brother Eustace, led the way into the city and encouraged the rest to follow. They were followed immediately by the two noble brothers Ludolf and Gislebert, natives of the city of Tournai, who well deserve to be remembered forever. Then a host of cavalry and infantry crossed, so many in number that neither the engine nor the bridge could support more. When the enemy perceived that the Christians were in possession of the wall and that the duke had already raised his standard, they abandoned the ramparts and towers and betook themselves to the narrow streets.
As soon as our people observed that the duke and a majority of the leaders had seized the towers, they did not wait to ascend the machine, but vied with one another in raising to the walls the scaling ladders with which they were well supplied. For, in obedience to a public proclamation, each pair of knights had prepared a ladder to be used in common. By means of these, without waiting for the duke’s command, they now joined the others on the wall.
Immediately following Godfrey came the count of Flanders, the duke of Normandy, and the gallant Tancred, a warrior praiseworthy in every respect. With these also mounted Hugh the Elder, count of St. Pol; Baldwin du Bourg; Gaston de Béarn; Gaston de Béziers; Gerard de Roussillon; Thomas de La Fère; Conan the Breton; Count Rainbald from the city of Orange; Ludovic de Moncons; Conon de Montague, and Lambert his son; as well as many others whose names and number I do not recall.
As soon as the duke saw that all these knights had entered safely, he sent some of their number with an honorable escort to open the north gate, now the gate of St. Stephen, that the people who were waiting outside might enter. This was unbarred without delay, and the entire army rushed in pell-mell without order or discipline.
It was a Friday at the ninth hour. Verily, it seemed divinely ordained that the faithful who were fighting for the glory of the Saviour should have obtained the consummation of their desires at the same hour and on the very day on which the Lord had suffered in that city for the salvation of the world. It was on that day, as we read, that the first man was created and the second was delivered over to death for the salvation of the first. It was fitting, therefore, that, at that very hour, those who were members of His body and imitators of Him should triumph in His name over His enemies.
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*Emily Atwater Babcock and A. C. Krey translation
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