First Crusade - Page 8 of 21

The Leaders of the First Crusade

The First Crusade proper was supposed to have a churchman as its leader. Pope Urban selected Bishop Adhemar of Puy for this role, but he was generally overshadowed by the lay lords who went.

Foremost among them was Godfrey of Bouillon, Duke of Lorraine. He was the perfect material for legend: a descendant of Charlemagne, Godfrey was a good warrior and a pious Christian. Later chroniclers would turn him into the perfect knight.

His younger brother went, too: Baldwin of Boulogne. Baldwin was a contrast with his brother. Where Godfrey was personable, Baldwin was cold and aloof. He had a taste for luxury and power, and an arrogance that did not warm others to him. He was meant for a career in the Church, but that did not suit his taste.

More important than either of these two was Count Raymond IV of Toulouse; at least, he was more important in his own estimation. He was the oldest, being near sixty when he set out. He had served in the Reconquista in Spain and so had the credentials as a soldier of Christ. Well-mannered and cultured, Raymond could well have been the revered leader that Godfrey became, but he was greedy, vain and obstinate. His grasping nature made others wary of him even though they valued his leadership.

The last major player was Bohemond of Tarentum, a Norman of southern Italy. He was the best commander and politician of the group, and he had the most experience with Eastern affairs. Bohemond had invaded Byzantine territory fifteen years before under his uncle's leadership.

Bohemond and Baldwin almost certainly were setting out in part to win new lands for themselves. Godfrey may or may not have: he sold some estates before setting out, but he kept most of his traditional family lands. Raymond would never have given up Toulouse, and he surely did not need more honors, but his actions once in the East show he must have been thinking about the possibilities, at least.

These were not the only lords who set out with their own armies, but I'll restrict the narrative to these five.

History of Western Civilization

Boise State University
Last Revised 17 August 1996