RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1114
year: 1182
initiator: Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem and Petrus prior of the Holy Sepulchre
recipient: Conradus de Dachavv Dux
institution: Holy Sepulchre
text: (c. 1182). Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem and P. sanctae resurrectionis ecclesiae prior, together with the chapter of the Holy Sepulchre, write under seal to Conradus de Dachavv Dux [Count Conrad III of Dachau], reminding him how, when he had been on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he was told that in the time of his father his men had murdered a canon. In recompense he had promised to build a church in honour of the Cross. He should also help restore properties lost by the canons.
(c. 1182). Patriarch Eraclius of Jerusalem and P. sanctae resurrectionis ecclesiae prior, together with the chapter of the Holy Sepulchre, write under seal to Conradus de Dachavv Dux [Count Conrad III of Dachau], reminding him how, when he had been on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he was told that in... more
sources: Conrad of Scheyern, pp. 93-4 (RRH no. 623)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1123
year: 1183
initiator: Al-Adil [Sisidin rex]
recipient: Pope Lucius III
text: Mar. 31. Al-Adil [Sisidin rex] writes to Pope Lucius III. He has received the pope’s letter, delivered by Janus Dandulus. He had been negotiating with Pope Alexander III over the redemption of Christians held captive by the Muslims [Sarraceni]. He reports that his brother Saladin has won a victory in the neighbourhood of Tyre and that all the territory between Damascus and Niniveh is now subject to him. He will pass on the pope’s request to Saladin. If the Christians in the kingdom of Jerusalem obey the pope and observe peace the Muslims will maintain the agreement relative to the captives, but they will be blameless if the Christians do not.
Mar. 31. Al-Adil [Sisidin rex] writes to Pope Lucius III. He has received the pope’s letter, delivered by Janus Dandulus. He had been negotiating with Pope Alexander III over the redemption of Christians held captive by the Muslims [Sarraceni]. He reports that his brother Saladin has won a victory... more
sources: Ralph of Diceto 2:25-7 (RRH no. 626)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1127
year: 1183
initiator: Muslim governor of Harim
recipient: Franks
text: *Early Summer. The Muslim governor of Harim reportedly writes to the Franks, asking for protection against Saladin, but the garrison of Harim arrests and expels him and declares for Saladin.
*Early Summer. The Muslim governor of Harim reportedly writes to the Franks, asking for protection against Saladin, but the garrison of Harim arrests and expels him and declares for Saladin.
sources: Abu Shamah 4:235-6
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1139
year: 1183
initiator: Saladin
recipient: Pope Lucius III
text: (1183). Saladin writes to [Pope Lucius III]. He has received the pope’s messages, delivered by Oliverus Vitalis, and agrees to an exchange of prisoners, but he maintains that the Christians in captivity are gentiles et nobiles viri, whereas the Muslims in captivity are rustici et minimi et vilissimi homines. He suggests that the standing of the prisoners held by either side be taken into account. He provides Oliverus with confidential messages for the pope.
(1183). Saladin writes to [Pope Lucius III]. He has received the pope’s messages, delivered by Oliverus Vitalis, and agrees to an exchange of prisoners, but he maintains that the Christians in captivity are gentiles et nobiles viri, whereas the Muslims in captivity are rustici et minimi et... more
sources: Ralph of Diceto 2:25 (RRH no. 635)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1148
year: 1184
initiator: Baldwin IV
recipient: E., magister Templi A. and magister sanctae domus Hospitalis Jerusalem R.
institution: Templars
additional institution: Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
text: c. Oct. King Baldwin [IV] of Jerusalem writes to Patriarch E., magister Templi A. and magister sanctae domus Hospitalis Jerusalem R, [who had left in June, [190] carrying with them the royal banner and the keys to the Tower of David, the city of Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre to present to the Emperor Frederick I, King Philip II of France or King Henry II of England, should one of them agree to come to the assistance of the Holy Land]. He is glad to hear from them that they have landed safely at Brindisi. He reports that c. 9 -10 July Saladin invaded the territory of Cratum and devastated the region for 3 weeks. On 31 July he penetrated the city of Cratum and, erecting 14 petraries, besieged the castle for 4 weeks. On learning of the approach of the king, he burnt his siege engines and withdrew by way of Nablus, which he devastated, while the population sought refuge in the castle. He then proceeded to Sebasten, the bishop of which redeemed his city and 80 captives, Arabia, Magnum Gerinum, Parvum Gerinum, a Templar villa, and the Hospitaller castle of Belverium, devastating the land and seizing captives as he went.
c. Oct. King Baldwin [IV] of Jerusalem writes to Patriarch E., magister Templi A. and magister sanctae domus Hospitalis Jerusalem R, [who had left in June, [190] carrying with them the royal banner and the keys to the Tower of David, the city of Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre to present to the... more
sources: Delaville Le Roulx, Cart Hosp 1:444-5, no 662; also ed. in Ralph of Diceto 2:27-8 (RRH no. 638)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1179
year: 1186
initiator: Pope Urban III
recipient: Patriarch of Jerusalem
text: Mar. 13. Verona. Pope Urban III informs the patriarch of Jerusalem that he has ordered King Baldwin V of Jerusalem and the count of Tripoli, baliuus regni Ierosolimitanus, to render justice to the Genoese over rights granted them by King Baldwin I, in the presence of the archbishop of Nazareth and the masters of the Knighthood of the Temple and the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
Mar. 13. Verona. Pope Urban III informs the patriarch of Jerusalem that he has ordered King Baldwin V of Jerusalem and the count of Tripoli, baliuus regni Ierosolimitanus, to render justice to the Genoese over rights granted them by King Baldwin I, in the presence of the archbishop of Nazareth and... more
sources: Hiestand, PK, pp. 319-20, no. 143 (RRH no. 438)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1234
year: 1187
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)
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)
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)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
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)