First Crusade - Page 15 of 21
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On to Jerusalem
Settlement of Antioch
Yet, it was not until January 1099 that the crusaders finally set
out, and even then it was at reduced strength. Antioch had been
won from the infidel and someone was needed to rule it. Raymond
of Toulouse and Bohemond of Tarentum maneuvered for the prize,
but it was Bohemond who won it. Antioch became the second
crusader state, and Bohemond remained there with his Normans.
The End of a Holy Man
The march southward was difficult and took months more. Several
towns fell to the crusaders, some requiring a formal siege to
win. Peter Bartholomew began experiencing regular visits from
the angel, who advised him on all manner of details regarding the
advance. At one siege, Peter even began giving military
advice.
This was too much for his skeptics. Peter's visions were far too
convenient and too martial, and he was openly accused of lying.
Challenged, Peter offered to undergo ordeal by fire to prove that
he was divinely guided. Being in Biblical lands, they chose a
Biblical ordeal: Peter would pass through a fiery furnace and
would be protected by an angel of God.
The crusaders constructed a path between walls of flame; Peter
would walk down the path between the flames. He did so, and was
horribly burned. He died after suffering in agony for twelve
days. There was no more said about the Holy Lance, although one
faction continued to hold that Peter was genuine and that this
was indeed the true Lance.
History of Western Civilization
Boise State University
Last Revised 17 August 1995