Biography
Biography
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Godfrey (of Bouillon)
| Born | 1060 | Born At | |
| Died | c. July 1100 | Buried At |
| Born | 1060 / |
| Died | c. July 1100 / |
Godfrey de Bouillon was the second son of Eustace II, the Norman Count of Boulogne. Godfrey was chosen as the ruler of Jerusalem in 1099 after the crusaders of the First Crusade took control of the city. Godfrey refused to wear a golden crown in Jerusalem where his Saviour had only worn a crown of thorns. He wanted to be known as advocate or lay defender of the Holy Sepulchre rather than King. Shortly after the crusaders had taken Jerusalem the separate Muslim armies overcame their differences in order to rid their home of the Christian army. Egypt supplied the largest number of men. The huge Muslim army made its way towards Jerusalem. Godfrey was aware of the threat and managed to put together an army of his own. The two armies met at Ascalon where the Muslim army was defeated by the much smaller Christian force. This was the last battle of the First Crusade. Godfrey died in July 1100 possibly from typhoid. His brother Baldwin became the next King of Jerusalem.
Related Episodes
The People's Crusade and First Crusade (click here)
The People's Crusade and First Crusade (click here)
Family Tree Details
Godfrey (of Bouillon) (b.1060 - d.1100?)
Godfrey (of Bouillon) (b.1060 - d.1100?)
Timeline
1099(Age: 39yrs)
Jul 15
The Crusaders capture Jerusalem. When they ended the siege and entered the city they murdered non-Christians including Muslims and Jews and forced many to leave. [1]
A week after Jeruslam was captured by the Crusaders Godfrey of Bouillon was chosen as its first ruler.
Aug 12
The last battle of the First Crusade was fought between the Christians and Muslims at Ascalon. Led by Godfrey of Bouillon, the king of Jerusalem, the heavily out-numbered Christian army used their heavy armour to good affect. The Muslim army consisted mainly of Egyptians intent of driving the Christians out of Jerusalem. [1]
1100(Age: 40yrs)
Jul 18
Godfrey of Bouillon died just a year after the crusaders had captured Jerusalem. Agreeing who should succeed Godfrey as ruler of Jerusalem was not easy. The head of the Church in Jerusalem, Dagobert of Pisa, claimed that the Church itself should rule and as he was its representative he should have the job. Godfrey's brother, Baldwin of Edessa, had other ideas and travelled to Jerusalem with an army to claim the throne. [2]
Supported by an army of over a thousand men, Baldwin claimed the throne of Jerusalem. Baldwin of Edessa was Godfrey's brother and he claimed the throne as his heritage. Baldwin was crowned on Christmas Day at Bethlehem.
On this day in history:
3D Virtual Reconstructions
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Selection of references used:
- 1: Alan & Veronica Palmer, Pimlico Chronology of Britsh History, ISBN:0-7126-7331-8
- 2: Edward Burman, The Templars, Knights of God, ISBN:0-85030-396-6, Erdington Library (271.79)
