Deeds of the Franks, Book 10, Chapter 31

After a short time, the venerable Raymond, Count of St. Giles, went and entered the land of the Saracens and came to a certain city which is called Albara, which he invaded with his army. He captured it forthwith and killed all Saracen men and women, great and small, that he could seize. The others, whom he called back to the faith of Christ, he held under his own rule and he sought the advice of their wisest men so that he could have a bishop ordained most devoutly in the city, who would call the city back faithfully to the worship of Christ and from the house of the devil and consecrate a temple to the true and living God and holy words. They finally chose a certain respectable man and wisest of men and lead him to Antioch to be confirmed. This was done. Others who remained in Antioch, were equal in joy and happiness.

The time set for departing was approaching, namely the Feast of All Saints, and all of our nobles returned as one into Antioch and all at the same time began to seek how they could succeed in traveling along the road to the Sacred Sepulcher, saying that because the agreed on time for going was approaching, it was no hour for more disturbance. Moreover Bohemond was daily seeking an agreement upheld by which all that the seigneurs held in the city would be returned to him, but the Count of St. Giles was unwilling to soften himself to any agreement with Bohemond because he was fearing himself to have sworn falsely against the emperor. However they often were assembled in the church of St. Peter, for the purpose of doing what was just. Bohemond read aloud his agreement and declared his ownership. The Count of St. Giles revealed at the same time his own words and the oath which he had made to the emperor, by the advice of Bohemond. The bishops, Duke Godfrey, Cont of Flanders, Count of Normandy, and other leaders were divided from the others and entered in to where the seat of St. Peter was so that they could decide among themselves and keep apart from the two. After, fearing the path to the Sacred Sepulcher might be interrupted, they were unwilling to frankly speak their judgement. Then the Count of St. Giles said: "The road to the Sacred Sepulcher remains. If Bohemond wishes to continue with us, but anything our equals, namely Duke Godfrey, Count of Flanders and Robert of Normandy, and other nobles will praise, I would faithfully consent to, save fidelity to the emperor." Bohemond praise this all, and both promised in the hands of bishops, that by no means would the journey to the Sacred Sepulcher be disturbed by them. Then Bohemond took advice with his own men, how he would fortify the fort on the high mountain with men and food. Similarly, the Count of St. Giles took advice with his men, how he would fortify the palace of the emir of Cassianus, and the tower which is above the gate of the bridge, which is on the side pointing to the port of St. Simeon. He said he fortified it with men and food who abandoned it not long ago.

Krey's footnotes to this text state that Count Raymond's insistence on the rights of the emperor was remarkable because he was the only one who did not take the prescribed oath. Albara is also called Bara and is one of the 'ghost towns' of Syria. Here are some photos of the ruins.