Raymond+of+Toulouse

This page should be quite self explanatory. It is intended to act as a biography of Big Ray T, containing details of his origins as well as his participation in the major events of the Crusade. It should detail his status within the group, the arguments which developed and also what he did after the Crusade. Any other relevant information should also be included. Quotes are essential.


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-DOB -Parents -Succeeding his brother -Previous excursions -relationship with Alexius -Siege of Antioch -jersualem -Status among others (JY) -Conflict with others (MB) -what he did after the crusade

Raymond IV of Toulouse sometimes called Raymond of St Gilles (c. 1041 or 1042 – 1105) was Count of Toulouse, Duke of Narbonne, and Margrave of Provence and one of the leaders of the First Crusade. He was a son of Pons of Toulouse and Almodis de La Marche. He received Saint-Gilles with the title of "count" from his father and succeeded his brother William IV in Toulouse in 1094. According to an Armenian source, he had lost an eye on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem before the First Crusade, but this statement probably refers to the fact that he was one-eyed (monoculus). He also fought against the Moors in Spain before 1096, and he was the first to join the crusade after Pope Urban II's sermon at the Council of Clermont. (TMcKenna aka Tom McSausagewater) It should be stated that Raymond's relationship with Alexius was neither terrible nor great.Tha reasons for this are due to the fact that Raymond was the only leading prince of the Crusade that did not swear on oath of fealty to Alexius; as he did not want to be tied down by its constraints (perhaps he had already planned to extend his territories). This therefore, must have not places Raymond in the greatest stead with the Byzantine Emperor; even Bohemond (Raymond's adversary) had swore this oath; albeit after a struggle. However, Bohemond was a common enemy amongst both Raymond and Alexius, thus causing Raymond to swear an oath of friendship with Alexius, against this common enemy; Bohemond. Although potentially not a strong as the oath of fealty, this oath of friendship did at least represent a link between the two. (JJEW)

Raymond of Toulouse was recognised as one of two leaders as the Crusaders journeyed toward Antioch; the armies having separated into two groups in order to ease supply problems. Although evidently dedicated to the cause, ‘Raymond of Toulouse was gravely ill’ and thus we could suggest that this both hindered his efforts and the progression of the Crusading forces, which were something short of guidance in parts. Nevertheless, the Crusaders reached Antioch four months after having left Nicaea (considering this was done in the height of summer, we may suggest it was some feat). Raymond was quick in his attempts to exploit this influence once he had reached Antioch: ‘only [he] among the Crusader leaders advocated a quick assault’. Although Raymond suggested that they would be more successful to attack whilst the Muslims had little time for preparation, the selfish reasons of the other leaders to prevent an assault over-ruled his wish. We could point to factions forming at this stage with ‘relations between [Raymond and Bohemond] were stretched to breaking point.’ We could suggest that as both the potential leaders vied for the position, Raymond was frustrated that Bohemond was being so obtrusive in regards of the conquest at hand – but obviously Raymond could have secured power over Antioch if they attacked under his banner. In this sense, we may suggest that the motivation at Antioch was the competitive atmosphere between the two Crusaders. That ‘Bohemond threatened to leave’, allowed Raymond to capitalise on an opportunity to expand his influence. We may suggest that the Crusaders were in some disarray; being disheartened by the threat as it would mean a lack of direction and would seem to criticize the Crusading armies that remained at Antioch. Raymond ‘distributed 500 marks to the group’ and in this way he facilitated continuation through the battle and gained much more support over its course and although it was Bohemond who finally broke the siege, Raymond’s reputation and popularity had grown as a consequence of his generosity in grave circumstances; juxtaposed to a Bohemond ‘whose personal wealth was not adequate for a protracted siege’. Therefore, we could argue that Raymond’s actions at Antioch were decisive in his future role in the Crusade. [AJ]

Due to the death of Adhemar shortly after the siege of Antioch, Raymond effectively became leader of the first crusade. However due to disputes with Bohemond over Antioch, he delayed the march to Jerusalem. He instead tried to extend his territories after Bohmend expelled Raymonds detachment from Antioch. As a result of this, he tried to expand into Tripoli. Although successful in the end, the siege took longer than expected and Raymond lost a lot of the support he had gained after Antioch. When Raymond finally agreed to continue the mrarch towards Jersalem, they were met with several months of siege, after which the Muslims gurading the gates gradually surrendered to Raymond. The Siege of Jerusalem ultimately ended with a bloody massacre of most, if not all the inhabitabts of the "earthly city". Raymond of Aguilers writes " //in the Temple and porch of Solomon// men rode in blood up to their knees and bridle reins." Although this image should not be taken literally, as the slaughter at the Temple is sometimes dubiously projected into the entire city, it provides an image on the kind of brutality shown by the crusaders on the verge of their victory. After the 4 year journey came to an end, Raymond was offered the crown to the new kingdom of Jersusalem, which he turned down, apparently due to reluctance over ruling a city where Christ once suffered. It is also likely he wished to contine with his siege of Tripoli as well. Despite this however, he seemed reluctant to hand over the Tower of David, and there was a sense of betrayel when Godfrey accepted the title of "King of Jerusalem" instead. However, by then it was too late to change his mind, and he instead continued with several sieges and battles after the first crusade. [HS]

Following the capture of Jerusalem, Raymond was involved in the battle of Ascalon defeating an Egyptian force. However, Raymond was determined not to allow Godfrey to take over the territory and as a consequence it was left unoccupied. Later, Raymond allied himself with the leader of Constantinople, Alexius, in order to prevent Bohemond expanding Antioch into Byzantine territory. After being defeated as part of 1101 Crusade, Raymond then travelled to Antioch and was imprisoned by Tancred, who has now the current leader of Antioch. Once released he promised not to try and capture any further territory between Antioch and Acre. Raymond broke this almost at once and with Alexius help he captured Tartus, in order to aide with the siege and eventual capture of Tripoli.