A Letter from the First Crusade: The Conquest of Jerusalem, 1099

Summary

This video discusses a letter from the First Crusade, sent by the Archbishop of Reims to the Bishop of Arras, announcing the conquest of Jerusalem. The letter, reflecting the medieval communication style, calls for continued support and prayers for the Christian forces in the Holy Land. It highlights the ongoing struggle and the need for reinforcements, emphasizing the divine role in the Crusaders' success. The video also touches on the political and religious significance of the Crusades, suggesting a sense of chosenness among Christians akin to the Old Testament Israelites.

Takeaways

• 📜 The letter is from the Archbishop of Reims to the Bishop of Arras, announcing the conquest of Jerusalem during the First Crusade.
• 🏰 Jerusalem's capture is described as a divine event, with the city being liberated from pagan rule by the 'sons of God', referring to the Crusaders.
• 👑 Duke Godfrey of Bouillon is mentioned as the elected leader by the Crusader army, though he took the title of Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre instead of King.
• 🙏 The Archbishop urges the Bishop to command all parish churches to pray for the success of the Crusaders and the protection of the newly conquered territories.
• 🔄 Despite the conquest, there's a call for continued support and reinforcement, indicating ongoing conflict and the need for sustained military and spiritual efforts.
• 📨 The letter reflects the medieval method of news dissemination, starting as rumors and later confirmed, highlighting the slow and often uncertain spread of information.
• ✝️ The Archbishop's language suggests a strong belief in the divine guidance and approval of the Crusade, viewing it as part of God's plan.
• 📚 The letter is part of a collection in the book 'The First Crusade: The Chronicle of Fulcher of Chartres and Other Source Materials', edited by Edward Peters.
• 🌐 The script discusses the concept of Christendom as a political and religious entity, viewing the Crusaders as an extension of God's will on earth.
• 📢 The Archbishop's directive to the Bishop also serves as a call to action for the Christian community to support the Crusaders, both spiritually and materially.

Q & A

Who was the Archbishop of Reims mentioned in the letter?

The Archbishop of Reims mentioned in the letter is not explicitly named, but he is referred to as 'men assist the second Archbishop of Reims'.

To whom was the letter addressed?

The letter was addressed to Lambert, the Bishop of Arras.

What significant event is the letter announcing?

The letter announces the conquest of Jerusalem by Godfrey of Bouillon and Raymond the fourth of Toulouse at the end of the First Crusade.

What does the Archbishop instruct the Bishop of Arras to do?

The Archbishop instructs the Bishop of Arras to ensure that all who took the cross but did not go on the Crusade should now go, and to encourage others to take the cross and support the Christians in Jerusalem.

How does the Archbishop describe the liberation of Jerusalem?

The Archbishop describes the liberation of Jerusalem as having been achieved through the 'incomparable might of the sons of God,' suggesting a divine intervention.

What title does the Archbishop suggest for Godfrey of Bouillon?

The Archbishop refers to Godfrey of Bouillon as the 'King of the Christians,' although it is noted that Godfrey did not take the title of King and instead took the title of Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre.

What is the significance of the Archbishop's reference to 'the sons of God'?

The reference to 'the sons of God' signifies the Archbishop's view that the Crusaders were divinely chosen, akin to the Old Testament idea of the Israelites as God's chosen people.

What does the Archbishop believe about the spread of the news of Jerusalem's conquest?

The Archbishop believes that the news of Jerusalem's conquest was spread by God Himself, indicating a divine role in the dissemination of this information.

What is the source material for this letter?

The letter is sourced from the book 'The First Crusade: The Chronicle of Fulcher of Chartres and Other Source Materials,' edited by Edward Peters.

What is the historical context of the letter in terms of the Crusades?

The letter provides a primary source account of the First Crusade, reflecting the immediate aftermath of the conquest of Jerusalem and the ongoing efforts to secure and support the Crusader States.

What was the state of the Kingdom of Jerusalem at the time of the letter?

At the time of the letter, the Kingdom of Jerusalem was in its infancy, consisting mainly of Jerusalem and a few coastal cities, and was not yet a fully unified state.