initiator: Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor, together with his convent
recipient: Templars in the West
institution: Templars
text: Aug. 1-31. Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor, together with his convent, writes to his brother Templars [in the West]. He reports the invasion of the Turci, their siege of the castle of Tiberias and the loss of the Christian army [at Hattin], the capture of the relic of the True Cross and of the king, the great number killed, including 230 Templars, who were beheaded, to which loss should be added the 60 who were killed on 1 May. Only the lord of Tripoli, dominus Reginaldus Sidonis, dominus Balovius and Terricus himself escaped. Saladin then advanced on Acre. Much of the land has fallen. Only Jerusalem, Ascalon, Tyre and Beirut are still in Christian hands, but the defenders of these cities have nearly all been lost and they cannot be held without divine intervention. Tyre is being constantly attacked and the land between Tyre, Jerusalem and Gaza is overrun. Terricus appeals for help.Aug. 1-31. Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor, together with his convent, writes to his brother Templars [in the West]. He reports the invasion of the Turci, their siege of the castle of Tiberias and the loss of the Christian army [at Hattin], the capture of the relic of the True... more
sources: ‘Gesta regis Henrici secundi’ 2:13-14 [217] (RRH no. 660)
comments: [217] Röhricht (RRH no. 660) also drew attention to a variant ms. in Oxford: S. Johannis colleg. no. 115, fol, 145b.
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
1235
year: 1187
initiator: Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor
recipient: All Christians
text: Aug. 1-31. [Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor] writes to all Christians. He reports the invasion of the Turci, their siege of the castle of Tiberias and the loss of the Christian army [at Hattin], the capture of the relic of the True Cross, the king and the master of the Knights Templar, the great number killed, including 230 Templars, who were beheaded, to which loss should be added the 60 who were killed on 1 May. Only the lord of Tripoli, dominus Reginaldus Sidonis, dominus Balianus and Terricus himself escaped. Saladin then advanced on Acre. Much of the land has fallen. Only Jerusalem, Ascalon, Tyre and Beirut are still in Christian hands, but the defenders of these cities have nearly all been lost and they cannot be held without divine intervention. Tyre is being constantly attacked and the land between Tyre, Jerusalem and Gaza is overrun.Aug. 1-31. [Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor] writes to all Christians. He reports the invasion of the Turci, their siege of the castle of Tiberias and the loss of the Christian army [at Hattin], the capture of the relic of the True Cross, the king and the master of the Knights... more
sources: Ralph of Diceto 2:49-50 (RRH no. 660)
comments:
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
1236
year: 1187
initiator: Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor
recipient: Count Philip of Flandres
text: *Aug. 1-31. [Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor] reports the loss of the Christian army at Hattin to Count Philip of Flanders.*Aug. 1-31. [Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor] reports the loss of the Christian army at Hattin to Count Philip of Flanders.
sources: An abbreviated variant noted by Röhricht ‘Ein Brief über die Geschichte’, p. 623 [218] (RRH no. 660)
comments: [218] Röhricht (RRH no. 660) also drew attention to Ms Cod. London. Addit. 24145, fol. 76 b].
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
Request
1237
year: 1187
initiator: Brothers of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
recipient: Dominus Archumbaldus magister Hospitalarium Italię and their brothers overseas
institution: Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
text: Aug. 1-31. [Brothers of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem] write to dominus Archumbaldus magister Hospitalarium Italię and their brothers overseas. They narrate how the king of Jerusalem and the count of Tripoli, with whom he had made peace, were at Saphora with 30000 men around 29 June, when Saladin reached and took Tiberias with 80000. The king advanced and fought all day on 3 July at Marestutia. He pitched his tent that night at Saluubia and the next day the master of the Knights Templars lost most of his brothers, after which the king moved to Naim and was helped by the count of Tripoli to reach a hill which was a natural fortress. The Turci lit fires around the hill and the Christian force, faced with great heat, was deprived of food and drink. Then Baldoinus de Fatinor, Bachaberbocus de Tabaria and Leisius with 3 companions deserted and revealed to Saladin the state of the Christian army. Saladin sent Techedinus with 20000 picked knights to overcome the Christians. The king and the relic of the True Cross were taken, as were comes Gabula, Milo de Calauerdo, Onfredus iuvenis, princeps Renaldus, who was killed, Galterius de Arsun, Hugo de Gibelen, domnus de Botrono and domnus de Marachele, and 1000 others of the better men. No more than 200 escaped, including the count of Tripoli, domnus Basianus and Reinardus domnus Sidonis. Saladin then took Saphora, Nazareth, Mt Tabor, Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa, Nablus, Ram [Ramla], Sanctus Georgius [Lydda], Ybellinon, Bellefort, Mirabel, Tyronus, Gwaler, Gazer and Audurum. When the Hospitaller galley left Tyre, [some of those who had surrendered] sent Sabani to Saladin to advise him to move on Jerusalem which would surrender. [219] The Hospitallers fled in their galley to Lechia [Latakia], where they heard that Tyre had fallen. They hope that the following cities can be saved if help comes from the West: Jerusalem, Tyre, Ascalon, Marchart, Antioch, Lassar, Saona and Tripoli. Like ants, large numbers of Sarraceni and Turci have overrun the country from Tyre, which they are besieging, to Jerusalem.Aug. 1-31. [Brothers of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem] write to dominus Archumbaldus magister Hospitalarium Italię and their brothers overseas. They narrate how the king of Jerusalem and the count of Tripoli, with whom he had made peace, were at Saphora with 30000 men around 29 June, when... more
sources: ‘Historia de expeditione Friderici imperatoris’, pp. 2-4 (RRH no. 661)
comments: [219] This incomprehensible passage may be clarified with reference to the letter from the Genoese, written at the end of September.
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
1239
year: 1187
initiator: Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem
recipient: All Christians
text: Sept. 4-17. Jerusalem. Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem addresses a general letter to all Christians. He reports the disaster [at Hattin] in which 25000 Christians were killed and the relic of the True Cross fell into the hands of the Sarraceni, togther with the king of Jerusalem and 3 bishops and their companions, who were all killed. The following cities have fallen to the enemy: Acre, Nazareth, Tiberias, Safra, Grangeli, Petit Geli, Sabast, Casal Sentgili, Nablus [Daplez], Betel, Mahumeria Gran, Rametez, Bethlehem, Hebron, Turco, Petita Mafumeria, Bertogo, Castel Arnal, Bel Veder, Sent George, Tyre, Ramla, Ascalon, Jaffa, Arsur, Jorgeria, Calcalia, Caesarea, Caco, Calanco, Merle, Haifa, Betinoble, Eibeli and also 30 castles [castra]. The infidels have lain with women on altars and stabled their horses in churches. The patriarch begs for help to save Jerusalem, which Saladin is approaching with an army. It is feared that he intends to besiege the city. The patriarch offers a plenary indulgence to all who come to its aid.Sept. 4-17. Jerusalem. Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem addresses a general letter to all Christians. He reports the disaster [at Hattin] in which 25000 Christians were killed and the relic of the True Cross fell into the hands of the Sarraceni, togther with the king of Jerusalem and 3 bishops and... more
sources: Jaspert, ‘Zwei unbekannte Hilfsersuchen’, pp. 511-16
comments:
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
1240
year: 1187
initiator: Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem
recipient: Pope Urban III
text: Sept 5-20. Jerusalem. Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem sends Pope Urban III news [of the battle of Hattin]. The relic of the True Cross has been lost to the Traci. The bishops of Lydda and Acre, who were in charge of the Cross, have been killed. The king has been made captive and his army has been partly killed and partly imprisoned. The following cities and castles have been lost: Gybeletum, Beirut, Sydon, Acre, [Tiberias, Nazaret]h, Sebasten, [Nablus], Haifa, Caesarea, Assur, Jaffa, Ascalon, Lydda, lbelinen, Turon, Mirabel, Bethlehem and Hebron. Only Jerusalem, surrounded by the enemies of the cross and expecting to be besieged by Saladin, who has established himself nearby, and Tyre are still in Christian hands. All the provinces and dioceses of the patriarchate except those of Tyre and Petra are occupied by the pagani. An addendum lists the places occupied by the Thurci: Gybeletum, Beirut, Acre, Thuronum, Castellum Noveum,Tiberias with all its dependences, Haifa, Caesarea, Assur, Jaffa, Ascalon, Ybelinen, Ramatha, Lydda, Mirabel, Tharenta, Bethenopolis, Hebron, Fiyr, Bethlehem, Machumia, Castruim sancte Helie, Castrum Egidii, Nablus, Gerinen, Sebasten, Nazareth and Mons Thabor.Sept 5-20. Jerusalem. Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem sends Pope Urban III news [of the battle of Hattin]. The relic of the True Cross has been lost to the Traci. The bishops of Lydda and Acre, who were in charge of the Cross, have been killed. The king has been made captive and his army has been... more
sources: Hiestand, PK, pp. 324-7, no. 149; Kedar, ‘Ein Hilferuf’, pp. 120-2
comments:
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
Request
1241
year: 1187
initiator: Consuls of Genoa
recipient: Pope Urban III
text: End of Sept. The consuls of Genoa write to Pope Urban III. They narrate how Saladin entered the kingdom of Jerusalem on 3 July with 70000 knights or more and laid siege to Tiberias. The lady of Tiberias appealed to the king. On the advice of the count of Tripoli, to whom he was reconciled, the king went to her assistance. In spite of the bravery of the Knights Templar, who were slaughtered, the Christian army was surrounded. Six of the king’s milites - Balduinus de Fotina, Radulfus Bructus and Laudoicus de Tabaria with three others, defected to Saladin and informed him of the state of the Christian army. Saladin’s nephew, Tochedinus, captured the king and seized the relic of the True Cross. Saladin had his Templar and Hospitaller captives beheaded and himself killed princeps Rainaldus de Castellione. After the battle Saladin took Acre and neighbouring places. The Sirii in Jerusalem offered to surrender the city. Many Christians from Acre and other places fled to Tyre. Ascalon is well provided with victuals and troops, as are Antioch, Margatus, and nearly all the principality. The county of Tripoli is safe. The consuls beg the pope to arouse the faithful to recover the Holy Land.End of Sept. The consuls of Genoa write to Pope Urban III. They narrate how Saladin entered the kingdom of Jerusalem on 3 July with 70000 knights or more and laid siege to Tiberias. The lady of Tiberias appealed to the king. On the advice of the count of Tripoli, to whom he was reconciled, the king... more
sources: Hampe, ‘Reise’, pp. 278-80 (RRH no. 664a)
comments:
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
1242
year: 1187
initiator: Patriarch Aimery of Antioch
recipient: King Henry II of England
text: End of Sept. Patriarch Aimery of Antioch writes to King Henry II of England. He reports Saladin’s invasion of the kingdom of Jerusalem, the disaster [at Hattin], the capture of the king, his brother the constable and the master of the Knights Templar, the murder of princeps Raimundus [Rainald] by Saladin himself, the deaths of bishops, Templars and Hospitallers, 1200 milites and 30000 foot soldiers, the fall of Tiberias, which Saladin has fortified, Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa, Nazareth, Sebastea, Nablus, Lydda, Ramatha, Arsur, Hebron and Bethlehem. Jerusalem is now under siege and the Christians have suffered huge losses in residents, provisions and horses. He begs for help. Otherwise, the Holy Sepulchre and then Antioch itself will be lost. He is sending the episcopus Gabilonensis and the episcopus Valeniensis to Henry.End of Sept. Patriarch Aimery of Antioch writes to King Henry II of England. He reports Saladin’s invasion of the kingdom of Jerusalem, the disaster [at Hattin], the capture of the king, his brother the constable and the master of the Knights Templar, the murder of princeps Raimundus [Rainald] by... more
sources: Gesta regis Henrici secundi 2:36-8 (RRH no. 664)
comments:
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
Request
1246
year: 1187
initiator: Patriarch Aimery of Antioch
recipient: All Christians
text: Oct. 1-12. Patriarch Aimery of Antioch addresses an appeal to all Christians. He describes the victory of Saladin and the Turci [at the battle of Hattin], the capture of the king, his brother the constabularius and the master of the Knights Templar, the deaths of Rainaldus princeps, killed by Saladin himself, the bishops of Lydda and Acre, Templars, Hospitallers, 1200 milites and 30000 pedites, and the seizure of the relic of the True Cross. Tiberias has been taken, together with Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa, Nazareth, Sebasten, Nablus, Lydda, Ramata, Arsur, Bethlehem, Hebron, Sidon, Beirut, Biblis and Ascalon. Their inhabitants have been captured and now Jerusalem is besieged. He begs for help. Otherwise, the Holy Sepulchre and then Antioch itself will be lost. He reminds Christians of the achievement of their ancestors when they conquered the Holy Land. He is sending the Valeniensis episcopus and the Gabulensis episcopus to the West for aid.Oct. 1-12. Patriarch Aimery of Antioch addresses an appeal to all Christians. He describes the victory of Saladin and the Turci [at the battle of Hattin], the capture of the king, his brother the constabularius and the master of the Knights Templar, the deaths of Rainaldus princeps, killed by... more
sources: Mayer, ‘Zwei unedierte Texte’, pp. 100-3, no. 2
comments:
cite:
RRR:
Correspondence/envoy
Request
1247
year: 1187
initiator: Bohemond III, prince of Antioch
recipient: All Christian prelates, clergy and people
text: Mid Oct. [220] Bohemond III princeps Antiocenus sends a general letter to all Christian prelates, clergy and people. Saladin has killed Templars and Hospitallers and imprisoned the king [of Jerusalem]. He has seized the relic of the True Cross and is besieging Jerusalem. Ascalon has fallen and is without Christian inhabitants. Nazareth has been occupied by the Turci. Acre, and the territory as far as Tyre, Ascalon and Jerusalem is lost and the Christian religion in that region is no more. Only the principality of Antioch survives. Bohemond is sending the Tharsensis archiepiscopus, Antioceni principatus cancellarius, to the West to plead for assistance.Mid Oct. [220] Bohemond III princeps Antiocenus sends a general letter to all Christian prelates, clergy and people. Saladin has killed Templars and Hospitallers and imprisoned the king [of Jerusalem]. He has seized the relic of the True Cross and is besieging Jerusalem. Ascalon has fallen and is... more
sources: Chroust, Tageno, pp. 202-3 (RRH no. 663)
comments: [220] The reference to the loss of Jerusalem must date this letter to a period when the news of the loss of Jerusalem on 2 October had reached Antioch. So it must be later than the letter from the patriarch of Antioch, who had not yet heard the the city’s fall.
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