Our Famous Murals
The Conquest of Jerusalem
Direct cause of the First Crusade is laid to actions taken by Hakem, Caliph of Cairo. He turned loose hoards of Arabs on unarmed Christian pilgrims. The reports of the slaughter were horrible. For this deed, Pope Urban ordered a Crusade to the Holy Land.
The First Crusade was different from the following ones in that it seemed entirely prompted by religious fervor. No king or royalty were involved.
The cry was "on to Jerusalem God wills it". With the help of "Peter the Hermit", one of the most striking characters of history, the ranks of the Crusaders swelled to one hundred thousand (100,000) men. Because the red cross was chosen as a symbol, historians say that not a bolt of red material was left in Europe.
About 1099, the host left Europe. By the time they reached the gates of the Holy City, their forces were down to about thirty thousand (30,000).
Mr. Cochrane does not go into the temper of the Crusaders but it was apparent they were no angels. Most historians relate that the mob was hurried along its way to get it safe into somebody else's territory. Their treatment of Jews along their route left few to tell the story.
The city was taken in the year 1100. It was held for about 85 years until Saladin recaptured it for Islam.
The first crusade story would not be complete without going into the story of some of the characters.
The Little Harper
In the approach to Jerusalem, he played songs to inspire the army. He had no horse nor armor but marched beside the host.
Tancred
We see in the center who was one of the young knights who fought most valiantly.
Godfrey De Bouillon
Was looked to as natural leader. He was a powerful man said in his youth to have slain a bear with his bare hands. his sword with which he is said to have been able to cut a man in half, rests with his body at the "Church of the Holy Sepulchre". He was fearless and several times saved the Crusade. The Crusaders first frenzied attack was turned to rout. He gathered the forces, rested them for three days and gave them victory at last.
Godfrey built a thirty foot scaling tower. He directed the placing of the same and legend says was the first man on the wall of the Holy City. Godfrey attempted to stop the killing of innocent people but it is said the blood ran through the city.
Godfrey was elected "Baron of the Holy Sepulchre". He acted as governor of the city until his death. He was 38 years old when he died.
Hugh DePaganes
He formed the feared "Knights of the Temple". The Masonic "Knights Templar" is attributed to this brave Knight.
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