This book offers a new appraisal of the ancestry and career of Godfrey of Bouillon (c.1060-1100), a leading participant in the First Crusade (1096-99), and the first ruler of Latin Jerusalem (1099-1100), the polity established by the crusaders after they captured the Holy City. While previous studies of Godfrey's life have tended to focus on his career from the point at which he joined the crusade, this book adopts a more holistic approach, situating his involvement in the expedition in the light of the careers of his ancestors and his own activities in Lotharingia, the westernmost part of the kingdom of Germany. The findings of this enquiry shed new light on the repercussions of a range of critical developments in Latin Christendom in the eleventh and early twelfth centuries, including the impact of the 'Investiture Conflict' in Lotharingia, the response to the call for the First Crusade in Germany, Godfrey's influence upon the course of the crusade, his role in its leadership, and his activities during the initial phases of Latin settlement in the Holy Land in its aftermath.
Rulers of the Latin East Series
This series delves into the lives and influences of the rulers of the Crusader states in the Latin East. It examines the political intrigues, diplomatic maneuvers, and challenges inherent in governing during this tumultuous era. Beyond individual reigns, it explores broader themes such as gender, marriage, intellectual life, and inter-faith relations. These detailed biographies offer a compelling look at the men and women who shaped the region from the late 11th to the late 13th centuries and beyond.
