Post by Eric Gajewski on Oct 1, 2014 16:32:11 GMT
Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse
The History of the Crusades to the Holy Land in your Facebook news feed, 1095-1291.
One of the first of Europe's great lords to take the cross for the First Crusade was Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, wealthier and more powerful than the King of France at that time. Raymond was deeply pious, and an older man at this point in his life. He had already fought in the holy wars of Spain against the Moors, where he gained his third and final wife, the young and beautiful Elvira of Castile, daughter of King Alfonso VI of Leon. Raymond may in fact have been one of Europe's few lords privy to the details of the Crusade before Urban made his speech in 1095.
Prior to departing, Raymond dedicated his mission to his favorite devotion, Saint Robert, by holding a night-long vigil in the saint's church. Then he took up his sword and mustered a massive army of well equipped southern Frenchman from all across his vast domains. He took his wife with him, for he planned to end his life in the Holy Land. In charge of his immense territories he left his son, Bertrand. Adhemar, the Bishop of Le Puy and official papal legate of the Crusade, traveled with Raymond.
History records Raymond as one of the most far-sighted of the First Crusade leaders, maintaining constantly that the Westerners should be united in their mission with the Byzantines. He understood the Pope's vision and held to it, even when public opinion turned against it. He was deeply faithful in his religious convictions, and would gain a reputation for always holding to his word. Truly he is one of the most outstanding figures of the medieval world.
One of the images below shows Raymond, dressed in red and white, assuming the cross for the Crusade, with Bishop Adhemar beside him.
The History of the Crusades to the Holy Land in your Facebook news feed, 1095-1291.
One of the first of Europe's great lords to take the cross for the First Crusade was Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, wealthier and more powerful than the King of France at that time. Raymond was deeply pious, and an older man at this point in his life. He had already fought in the holy wars of Spain against the Moors, where he gained his third and final wife, the young and beautiful Elvira of Castile, daughter of King Alfonso VI of Leon. Raymond may in fact have been one of Europe's few lords privy to the details of the Crusade before Urban made his speech in 1095.
Prior to departing, Raymond dedicated his mission to his favorite devotion, Saint Robert, by holding a night-long vigil in the saint's church. Then he took up his sword and mustered a massive army of well equipped southern Frenchman from all across his vast domains. He took his wife with him, for he planned to end his life in the Holy Land. In charge of his immense territories he left his son, Bertrand. Adhemar, the Bishop of Le Puy and official papal legate of the Crusade, traveled with Raymond.
History records Raymond as one of the most far-sighted of the First Crusade leaders, maintaining constantly that the Westerners should be united in their mission with the Byzantines. He understood the Pope's vision and held to it, even when public opinion turned against it. He was deeply faithful in his religious convictions, and would gain a reputation for always holding to his word. Truly he is one of the most outstanding figures of the medieval world.
One of the images below shows Raymond, dressed in red and white, assuming the cross for the Crusade, with Bishop Adhemar beside him.