Monday, May 10, 2010

Deeds of the Franks, Book 4, Chapter 10, cont.

Meanwhile, we began to enter a very good land, full of food for the body and all luxurious goods; and from then on, we approached Ycino. The inhabitants of those lands were urging and reminding us to carry water with us in full skins, since one day's journey out from there is the greatest lack of water. We did do this, then we came to a certain river, and there we camped for two days. However we began to send out scouts to go before us and then we came to Heraclea (Erachiam), in which was no small gathering of Turks, waiting and plotting in what way they could harm the soldiers of Christ. The soldiers of the all-powerful God, entering in, boldly attacked those Turks. And thus our enemies had been vanquished on that day, and were fleeing as quickly as the arrow flies, having been sent out with a strong pull from string and bow. Therefore, our men immediately entered into the city, and there we remained for four days.

There, Tancred, son of the Marquis, separated himself from the others, as well as Count Baldwin, brother of Duke Godfrey, and they entered the valley of Botenthrot at the same time. Tancred then went off on his own and came to Tharsus with his army. And then the Turks rushed out of the city and came forward to meet them, and they moved quickly in one formation to fight against the Christians. Thus, our men having approached and having fought, our enemies gave flight, turning around and returning to the city by a quick route. Tancred, a true soldier of Christ, loosened his leather straps and set up camp before the city gate. Then, that famous man, Count Baldwin came from other parts and seeing that he deemed the demanding Tancred worthy to resume a very great friendship with, he offered him a partnership in the city. Tancred said to him: "I refuse fellowship from you in all ways in this." With night thus coming on, all of the Turks, trembling, ran off as one. Then the inhabitants of the city came out under cover of the night, crying out with a high voice: "Run most invincible Franks, run! Since the Turks have been awakened to fear by you, all of them have withdrawn
the same."

However as day arose, the elders of the city came and gave us the city of their own accord, saying to those who were squabbling over this in turns: "Permit only the leaders. Permit. since we wish and we seek to be ruled and he to rule over us who yesterday had fought so bravely against the Turks." In this way, Baldwin, the famous count, was arguing and squabbling with Tancred, saying: "Let us go in together and plunder the city. and he who is more able to hold it, let him keep it, and he who is able to capture it, let him capture it." That strongest of men, Tancred answered him saying: "It is unfit to me to do this. For I am unwilling to loot Christians. The men of this city have chosen me to be lord over them and they desire to have me." However, that strong man, Tancred, had been unable to grapple with Count Baldwin, since he had such a large army, willing and unwilling, he withdrew, and as a man fell back with his own army; and two of the best surrendered cities were given to him immediately, namely Athena(Adana) and Manustra(Mamistra) and many fortified towns.


I have attached a link to a map called the Tabula Peutingeriana. It is not meant to be a scale representation but it is a road map for how to get from one place to another with distances in between. Section 9 shows many of the places that the Crusaders are at, at this point. Worth a look at.

4 comments:

Tracy said...

"It is unfit to me to do this. For I am unwilling to loot Christians.
Good for Tancred!

The Red Witch said...

Yeah, right now he and Bohemond are sounding very good. Sad that he freed a town and then Baldwin takes it from him and loots it.

Tracy said...

Your comment sounds a little ominous, Red Witch - does this mean they don't stick to these noble ideals?

And thanks for the fascinating map - that writing is small, though! (But I love looking at old maps)

The Red Witch said...

Knowing what happens when they get to Antioch and Jersusalem, one has to question if most of these men ever even left home with noble ideals?
I liked this map too. It shows the old roads and many of the towns show up on it with the names that Anonymous used.