RRR: Correspondence/envoy
922
year: 1174
initiator: King Amalric
recipient: Pope Alexander III
text: 1171 - Jul. 11 1174. King Amalric of Jerusalem informs Pope Alexander III that the first abbot of Palmarea has died and that he has been appealed to by Gormundus, the advocatus, patronus et fundator of the abbey. He asks the pope to send a suitable abbot or prior with 3 or 4 monks from Cluny to restore the house and resume the enjoyment of its rights.
1171 - Jul. 11 1174. King Amalric of Jerusalem informs Pope Alexander III that the first abbot of Palmarea has died and that he has been appealed to by Gormundus, the advocatus, patronus et fundator of the abbey. He asks the pope to send a suitable abbot or prior with 3 or 4 monks from Cluny to... more
sources: Hiestand, PK pp. 274-5, no. 108 (RRH no. 495)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
974
year: 1177
initiator: Rabbi Moses b. Maimon
recipient: Sages of Tyre
text: May 1-30. [144] Old Cairo. Rabbi Moses b. Maimon [Maimonides] replies to questions put to him by the Sages of Tyre, the disciples of Rabbi Ephraim of Tyre. (1). Maimonides is asked to explain a Talmudic passage [Nedarim 88b] relating to the financial claim of a husband to his wife’s acquisitions during their marriage. This question arises from a previous correspondence with Ephraim of Tyre, since deceased. (2) Maimonides is asked to explain a Talmudic passage [Nazir 3b], according to which a Nazirite, who is barred from drinking wine, may not do so even for ritual purposes. (3) Asked for the source of a statement by Rabbi Isaac Alfasi, Maimonides replies that he does not know the source. (4) Asked whether a linen garment must have fringes [tzitzit] made of linen, Maimonides endorses the opinion of Isaac Alfasi that the fringes of a linen garment should be made of linen. (5) Maimonides is asked about the meaning of the term ‘ten idle men’ mentioned in the Palestinian Talmud [Megillah 1:6]. (6) Maimonides is asked whether the custom of the Jews of Tyre to celebrate two days of Purim [on the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar] is legitimate. Cities with a wall from biblical times (paradigmatically Jerusalem) celebrate on the fifteenth, and all other communities celebrate on the fourteenth. Maimonides agrees with the opinion of the Sages’ teacher, Ephraim of Tyre, that no blessings may be recited in the Purim celebrations on the fifteenth. (7) Maimonides is asked whether the custom of the Jews of Tyre to observe the second festival day on Tabernacles, Passover and Pentecost is legitimate. Within the religious borders of the Land of Israel, only one festival day is observed, whereas throughout the Diaspora, Jewish communities observe two days. The popular custom among the Jews of Tyre is to follow the Diaspora practice, but the Sages suggest that Tyre should be considered part of the Land of Israel. Maimonides rejects their suggestion, and commends the popular custom. (8) Following questions posed by their late teacher, Rabbi Ephraim, Maimonides is asked by the Sages to explain the lottery of tasks in the Temple service, described by the rabbis [in Mishnah Yoma chapter 2]. He replies that Ephraim’s questions had been anticipated by earlier rabbis. (9) Asked about the southern border of the Land of Israel for religious purposes, Maimonides sends a map of the religious borders of the land, and explains that the southern border begins from Ascalon. 10) Maimonides is asked about the application of the Sabbatical-year laws in Syria and the Land of Israel, with regard to lands worked by Gentiles. (11) Maimonides is asked about the application of tithe laws in the Land of Israel and Syria, in regard to lands worked by Gentiles. (12) Maimonides is asked whether the prohibition of mixed seeds [Leviticus 19] applies to lands worked by Gentiles. (13) Maimonides is asked whether a ruling by two scholars of Tyre, Meir (of Carcassonne?) and Hiyya, [145] is correct. The two scholars had ruled that in Tyre, as in other places outside the Land of Israel, two portions of hallah should be taken from bread dough. One is burned and the other is given to a priest for his personal consumption. Maimonides endorses the position of these scholars. (14) Asked to explain the physiological meaning of ‘uprooting’ as an [invalid] form of slaughtering, mentioned in the Talmud [Hullin 9a], Maimonides replies that practical experience in slaughtering is key to understanding this concept, and that, in any case, the question arises rarely with respect to quadrupeds and is a practical concern only with poultry. (15) Asked to explain the movement of the sun, since some people say that the sun follows a 6 lunar-month cycle, yet others claim it is a 12-month cycle, Maimonides replies that the sun itself moves into a different zodiac sign every month, but the highest sphere, which contains the stars, moves every day. He ends by pointing out that it is easier to explain these matters face-to-face. (16) Asked whether statements in the Talmud about the position of the sun over the course of the day relate to summer or winter, Maimonides replies that the Talmud speaks of variable hours, the length of which changes each day, but that these descriptions would not apply accurately to every latitude. In any case, this is a matter for astronomy and not for Jewish law. (17) Maimonides is asked to explain a Talmudic passage [Nedarim 81a]. (18) Maimonides is asked what types of ink may be used for ritual scrolls [such as Torah scrolls and phylacteries]. The questioners refer to different inks by their Arabic names, and Maimonides replies by describing the various methods of production and the relevant discussions in the Talmud. (19) Maimonides is asked a series of questions relating to the production of ritual objects: phylacteries, mezuzah scrolls and ritual fringes [tzitzit]. (20) Maimonides is asked about the correct wording of the blessing recited before blowing the shofar [ram’s horn] during New Year celebrations. (21) Maimonides is asked whether, for the purpose of avoiding mixture of milk and meat, the udder of a lamb is to be treated like that of a nursing sheep and must be cooked separately from other meat; and also whether certain non-binding prohibitions in the laws of kosher food may be revealed to non-scholars. Maimonides responds that the udders are treated alike. As for revealing non-binding prohibitions, Maimonides supports this fully, and recounts that in the [Muslim] West, where Jewish travellers cook their food in inns, Gentiles throw forbidden foods into the pot in order to render the Jews’ food invalid. Because knowledge of these non-binding prohibitions is widespread among Jewish lay people and even among women and servants, the travellers all know that the amount of forbidden food can be outnumbered by the rest of the food in the pot. (22) Maimonides is asked to explain a biblical verse [Leviticus 7, 34]. (23) Asked whether the ritual impurity that adheres to Jewish graves is likewise applicable to the graves of non-Jews, Maimonides replies that the impurity imparted by corpses and by graves applies equally to Jews and Gentiles, while other forms of death impurity [such as tent impurity] are exclusive to Jewish dead. (24) Asked whether priests, who receive agricultural tithes, are required to give the tithe of animals, which is offered as a sacrifice in the Temple, Maimonides replies that they are required to do so, as are non-priests. (25) Maimonides is asked about a law relating to oaths. (26) Asked whether a Jew may circumcise a non-Jew, and whether the law differentiates between Christians and Muslims on this point, Maimonides replies that it is permitted, without distinction between Christian and Muslim, and any Jewish religious precept fulfilled by a Gentile is considered laudable. (27) Asked whether the Talmudic statement [Sanhedrin 49a], that a Gentile who studied the Torah must die, is binding and whether Jews must avoid teaching Jewish lore to Gentiles, Maimonides replies that while the statement is true, such a Gentile is never actually executed. Jews may teach the commandments to Christians in order to draw them to Judaism, but they may not teach them to Muslims, who would only use the knowledge in order to criticize Judaism, because of a different attitude towards the Old Testament. (28) Maimonides is asked to explain a statement in the Talmud [Shabbat 75a] censuring people with astronomical expertise who do not engage in calendrical calculations.
May 1-30. [144] Old Cairo. Rabbi Moses b. Maimon [Maimonides] replies to questions put to him by the Sages of Tyre, the disciples of Rabbi Ephraim of Tyre. (1). Maimonides is asked to explain a Talmudic passage [Nedarim 88b] relating to the financial claim of a husband to his wife’s acquisitions... more
sources: R. Moses b. Maimon, Responsa, pp. 204-86, nos. 119-50, summarized by Pinchas Roth and Jonathan Rubin
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1016
year: 1178
initiator: Roger de Moulins, master of the Hospital
recipient: Christian faithful
institution: Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
text: Jan 1 - Dec. 24. [152] Rogerius [in ms. Raimundus] in hospitio sancti Johannis dictus magister imo humilis minister writes a general letter to the Christian faithful, commending its bearer, who has been gravely wounded in the fighting that surrounded the Battle of Mont Gisard. Rogerius describes the participation of Flandrie comes Philippus in the siege of the castle called Hermgen, Saladin’s investment of castrum beati Georgii with an army of 75000 and the resulting victory [at Mont Gisard] by a Christian army of 3000, who were aided by the presence of the relic of the True Cross, carried by the bishop of Bethlehem. Rogerius puts the Christian dead at 1100 men and the wounded at 750. The injured were admitted to the Hospital of St John in Jerusalem, which already contained 900 patients. The Sarraceni lost 30000 killed and 15000 made captive. He begs assistance for the bearer, who was so badly wounded that he can no longer bear arms.
Jan 1 - Dec. 24. [152] Rogerius [in ms. Raimundus] in hospitio sancti Johannis dictus magister imo humilis minister writes a general letter to the Christian faithful, commending its bearer, who has been gravely wounded in the fighting that surrounded the Battle of Mont Gisard. Rogerius describes... more
sources: Röhricht, Beiträge 2:127- 128, not. 45 (RRH no. 564)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1067
year: 1180
initiator: Stephen of Tournai, abbot of Ste-Geneviève
recipient: Eraclius Cesariensis archiepiscopus
text: 1176 - 1180. [168] Stephen of Tournai, abbot of Ste-Geneviève reminds Eraclius Cesariensis archiepiscopus of their student days in Bologna and of the different courses their lives have taken. He asks for the prayers of Eraclius and commends the bearer of the letter, who is a relative.
1176 - 1180. [168] Stephen of Tournai, abbot of Ste-Geneviève reminds Eraclius Cesariensis archiepiscopus of their student days in Bologna and of the different courses their lives have taken. He asks for the prayers of Eraclius and commends the bearer of the letter, who is a relative.
sources: Stephen of Tournai, pp. 92-3, no. 78
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
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
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
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)
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1233
year: 1187
initiator: Frater Terricus pauperrimae domus templi preceptor, together with his convent
recipient: Pope Urban III
institution: Templars
text: Aug. 1-31. Terricus/Tyricus pauperrime milicie templi preceptor, together with his convent, writes to Pope Urban III. 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, the escape of the count of Tripoli, domnus Reinoldus Sydonius and domnus Balianus, and the fall of Acre. 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. [216]
Aug. 1-31. Terricus/Tyricus pauperrime milicie templi preceptor, together with his convent, writes to Pope Urban III. 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... more
sources: ‘Annales Colonienses maximi’, p. 793; Chronica regia Coloniensis, p. 137-8 (RRH no. 660)
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)