RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1840
year: 1220
initiator: James of Vitry
recipient: Pope Honorius III, master John of Nivelles, the abbess and convent of Aywières
text: Spring. [319] James of Vitry [I. Acconensis ecclesie minister/Acconensis episcopus] informs Pope Honorius III, master John of Nivelles, the abbess and convent of Aywières and others of the fall of Damietta to the crusaders. He narrates how the Sarraceni offered to return the relic of the True Cross, and all the land, together with Jerusalem and all captives, and promised to subsidize the refortification of Jerusalem and to return the castles of Turo, in the territory of Tyre, Sephet, Beaufort and Belinas, the walls of which thay had destroyed. They wished to retain Craccus and Mons Regalis, for which they would pay an annual rent. Many of the peregrini wanted to accept this offer, but others suspected fraud, especially the Knights Templar, the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, the Hospitallers of St Mary of the Germans, the papal legate, the patriarch, archbishops, bishops and all the clergy, who feared that the withdrawal of the crusaders would encourage the Muslims to recover the land, Jerusalem, Mons Thabor and other castles. And they did not believe that the Muslims had the True Cross. James describes how in the midst of these debates the city was entered and surrendered to the crusaders without resistance. He describes the dreadful conditions in Damietta and its purification. A basilica and churches were established [out of mosques], but because of looting, the withdrawal of money by the Muslims or its casting into the river, only 400000 besants could be collected for division. 400 of the more eminent Muslims were kept in captivity to be ransomed, but others were sold into slavery and more than 500 were baptized. With the agreement of the peregrini, the papal legate incorporated the city into the kingdom of Jerusalem and its houses and towers were divided among the peregrini according to nationhood. The city of Thanei with its castle also fell into Christian hands, to be granted suffragan status under Damietta. James eulogizes the crusaders. He returns to a Muslim assault that he had described in an earlier letter, in which there were more than 1000 Christian losses and the electus Belvacensis, frater eius Andreas de Nantuel, Iohannes de Archies miles strenuus, Andreas de Espoisse, Galterus camerarius regis Francie, filius eius vicecomes Bellimontis, frater Andegavensis episcopi, Odo de Castellione and many others were captured. James himself had joined a Christian sortie, unarmed and accompanying the papal legate who carried the relic of the True Cross, but was unharmed. He dwells on the difficulty of besieging Damietta. He asks for prayers. In the copy of his letter to the pope he tries to estimate the number of defenders and inhabitants of Damietta. In the copies of his letter to John of Nivelles and the abbess of Aywières he reports that Dominus Reinerus prior sancti Michaelis, Colinus Anglicus clericus noster and two of James’s companions, magister Michael and domnus Matheus, to whom James had given care of the church of the Holy Cross [in Acre], have joined the Order of Friars Minor [Franciscans]. With difficulty James has retained the services of [I. de Cameracho] the cantor, Henricus [senescalcus ecclesie Acconensis] and others. He describes the spread of the Order of Friars Minor and how the magister and founder of the Order [Francis] preached to the Muslims and to the sultan of Egypt himself. In the copy of his letter to John of Nivelles he adds greetings from his companions O. de Dionanto, I. de Cameracho his cantor and Henricus senescalcus ecclesie Acconensis. He reports that he is ill and sends 2 little boys, saved from a fire in Egypt, together with silk cloth and other letters. He asks John to show his letter to the abbot of Villers and other friends.
Spring. [319] James of Vitry [I. Acconensis ecclesie minister/Acconensis episcopus] informs Pope Honorius III, master John of Nivelles, the abbess and convent of Aywières and others of the fall of Damietta to the crusaders. He narrates how the Sarraceni offered to return the relic of the True... more
sources: James of Vitry, Lettres, pp. 123-33, no. 6 (RRH no. 928)
RRR: Council/ruling decisions/legislation
1841
year: 1220
initiator: John of Brienne
recipient: Frater Harmannus, master of the Hospital of Saint Mary of the Germans
institution: Hospital of Saint Mary of the Germans
text: Mar. 1-28. [320] Damietta. John, de gratia Latinorum Ierusalem rex decimus, records under seal that when frater Harmandus magister and the brothers of the Hospital of St Mary of the Germans surrendered to him half of the spoil they had gained in the capture of Damietta, he promised them that this would not create a prejudicial precedent. Witnesses: Radulfus Tyberiadensis regni Ierusalem senescalcus; Balianus domnus Sydoniensis; Odo de Montebeliardo: Garnerus Alemannus; Gilo de Beritho; Gaufridus de Cafram; Roardus de Cayphas.
Mar. 1-28. [320] Damietta. John, de gratia Latinorum Ierusalem rex decimus, records under seal that when frater Harmandus magister and the brothers of the Hospital of St Mary of the Germans surrendered to him half of the spoil they had gained in the capture of Damietta, he promised them that this... more
sources: Mayer, UKJ 3:1038-40, no. 638 (RRH no. 930)
RRR: Eleemosynary grant
1842
year: 1220
initiator: Alice, regina Cypri
recipient: Eustorgius Nicosiensis archiepiscopus
text: Mar. 1-31. Nicosia. Alice, Dei gratia regina Cipri, makes a sealed eleemosynary grant, to benefit especially the soul of her late husband King Hugh. She gives dominus Eustorgius archiepiscopus and the church of Nicosia the right to grind corn in her mills at Kethrie without the payment of dues. Witnesses: dominus Philippus de Ybellino baiulus Cipri; Almaricus Cipri camararius; Guillelmus de Riveth; Laurentius de Morfo; Arneyus de Gibelet; Balduinus de Nores; Guillelmus Raymonz. The charter was drawn up by Radulfus regni Cypri cancellarius.
Mar. 1-31. Nicosia. Alice, Dei gratia regina Cipri, makes a sealed eleemosynary grant, to benefit especially the soul of her late husband King Hugh. She gives dominus Eustorgius archiepiscopus and the church of Nicosia the right to grind corn in her mills at Kethrie without the payment of dues.... more
sources: Coureas and Schabel, The Cartulary, pp. 167-8, no. 62 (RRH no. 929)
RRR: Loan/reimbursement/debt
1843
year: 1220
initiator: Parente de Vallecchia [son of] the late Albertus
recipient: Salvus de Pisis [son of] the late Benencasa
text: Apr. 20. Acre. In the church of St Peter of the Pisans. Parente de Vallecchia [son of] the late Albertus, who received from Salvus de Pisis [son of] the late Benencasa 32 besants, equivalent to [pro pretio] 28 librae and 16 good new Pisan denarii, promises to repay him if he returns from service in the Holy Land. If it happens that he should not, Aldebrandus de Pisis [son of] the late Ugolinus Sighierus and Albizellus [son of] the late Guintavalla confirm in the presence of Bottaccius [son of] the late Rainerius Bambonus, Attolinus de Capcia, Manfredus de Montemagno and Benettus Mortii that they will pay back the sum. The agreement was written by Bellebonus Romani imperii notarius.
Apr. 20. Acre. In the church of St Peter of the Pisans. Parente de Vallecchia [son of] the late Albertus, who received from Salvus de Pisis [son of] the late Benencasa 32 besants, equivalent to [pro pretio] 28 librae and 16 good new Pisan denarii, promises to repay him if he returns from service in... more
sources: Florentia, Certosa di calci. The document was provided to Röhricht by Paul Riant (RRH no. 932)
year: 1220
initiator: John of Brienne and the High Court [sui barones et fideles], Otto comes de Hennemberc, his wife Beatrix, the daughter of Ioscelinus comes, and their son Otto
recipient: Hermannus de Salza magister domus Theutonicorum and brothers of the Hospital of St Mary of the Germans
institution: Hospital of Saint Mary of the Germans
text: May 30. Acre. In the presence of King John of Jerusalem and the High Court [sui barones et fideles], Otto comes de Hennemberc, his wife Beatrix, the daughter of Ioscelinus comes, and their son Otto sell under seal to Hermannus de Salza magister domus Theutonicorum and brothers of the Hospital of St Mary of the Germans all the inheritance of Beatrix in the kingdom of Jerusalem for 7000 marchae argenti and 2000 besants. The brothers of St Mary will pay off the debt of 3250 besants owed [to] dominus Guillelmus de Mandelia and will pay the king 500 marchae argenti. Witnesses: dominus Radulfus de Tyberiade senescalcus regni Ierosolimitani; dominus Wernerus de Egisheim; cognatus eius dominus Haymo; dominus Guillelmus de Beryto; dominus Rohardus de Caypha camerarius; frater eius dominus Ioffridus de Caffra; dominus Henricus de Brenne; dominus Albertus frater eius; dominus Henricus de Gebwylre; dominus Henricus de Ruwach and others.
May 30. Acre. In the presence of King John of Jerusalem and the High Court [sui barones et fideles], Otto comes de Hennemberc, his wife Beatrix, the daughter of Ioscelinus comes, and their son Otto sell under seal to Hermannus de Salza magister domus Theutonicorum and brothers of the Hospital of St... more
sources: Strehlke, Tabulae, pp. 42-3, no. 52 (RRH no. 933)
year: 1220
initiator: John of Brienne
recipient: Oto comes de Hennebeck, his wife domna Beatrix, the daughter of the late comes Iocelinus/Gocelinus, and their son Oto
institution: Hospital of Saint Mary of the Germans
text: May 30-31. Acre. John, dei gratia Latinorum Iherusalem rex decimus, records under seal that with his consent Oto comes de Hennebeck, his wife domna Beatrix, the daughter of the late comes Iocelinus/Gocelinus, and their son Oto have sold in his presence and in that of his curia to frater Harmannus magister domus Hospitalis sancte Marie Teutonicorum Iherusalem and the brothers of the Hospital of St Mary of the Germans of Jerusalem Castellum Regis with its dependencies, except for the casale called Ihazon, for 7000 marcae argenti boni et legitimi and 2000 Saracen besants. A further 3250 besants is to be paid by the magister and brothers to settle a debt to domnus Guillermus de Amigdala, who was married to the sister of Beatrix. The dependencies and casalia of Castellum Regis are specified: Tersyha, Carphasome/Cafarsome, Samohete, Geelin, Zoenite, Beletun, Tarphyle/Tarphile, Rasabde, Supheye, Cafara/Caphara, Noseoquie, Danehyle/Danehile, Lebeine/Lebeyne, Iubie, Bethera, Habelye, Amca, Gez, Clil and half of Noie, Fasoce, Acbara, Tayeretrane/Tayeretrame, Tayerebika, Fennes, Carsilie, Serouh, Gabatye/Gabatie, Horfeis, Roeis, Camsara, Cassie, Deleha, Derbasta, Raheb, Ezefer, Berzei and a third of the feodum of Sanctus Georgius, the dependencies and casalia of which are Arket, Yanot, Cabra, Meblie, Saphet, Lemezera, Kemelie and a third of the casale of Bokehel, together with a third of the assisia attached to the feodum, namely 266 and two-thirds besants, being a third of [the rent of] 800 besants assigned on the cathena of Acre. This rent is surrendered by the brothers to the king. Oto and Beatrix also sell an assisia of 2000 Saracen besants assigned on the cathena of Acre. The sale covers all these properties, whether or not they are in the hands of the Sarraceni, but the brothers surrender to the king their rights to those possessions which are in Muslim hands. Oto and Beatrix sell the house in Acre that had belonged to comes Iocelinus. It is bordered on the east by a lane [ruella], on the west by the cloistered house belonging to the abbot of Mt Tabor, on the south by the public way and on the north by the house of Rohardus domnus Cayphe. If there are other houses in Tyre of Acre that should have been included in this inventory, the magister and brothers can apply to the royal court, where they will receive justice according to custom [plenum ius secundum consuetudines]. King John records that for his agreement he has received 500 marchae argenti from the magister and brothers. Witnesses: Odo de Montebliardo regni constabilis; Radulfus Tyberiadensis regni senescalcus; Balianus domnus Sydoniensis; Garnerus Alemannus; Gilo de Beritho; Rohardus de Cayphas; Gaufridus de Cafran; Haimo Alemannus; Danyhel de Malenbec.
May 30-31. Acre. John, dei gratia Latinorum Iherusalem rex decimus, records under seal that with his consent Oto comes de Hennebeck, his wife domna Beatrix, the daughter of the late comes Iocelinus/Gocelinus, and their son Oto have sold in his presence and in that of his curia to frater Harmannus... more
sources: Mayer, UKJ 3:1041-52, no. 639 (RRH no. 934)
RRR: Agreement/treaty
1846
year: 1220
initiator: Citizens of Lucca Ugerius, Magister Robertus and Henricus Capardus, together with the citizens of Bologna Fillocarus, Adrianus, Clarius and Bolognittus
text: Jun. 19. Damietta. Church of St Paul. In the presence of presbyter Jacomus de Castro Plumacio, Ugo Medicus de Lucca, Bonamicus notarius de Dacia, Gerardus Carenzus de Lucca and Petrobonus de Bononia, and with the consent of Ubaldus capitaneus et consul Luccensium and Rumonus eius socius, the citizens of Lucca Ugerius, Magister Robertus and Henricus Capardus, together with the citizens of Bologna Fillocarus, Adrianus, Clarius and Bolognittus, chosen by their capitanei and consiliori to reach agreement over the division of Damietta, come to agreement over the details of the apportionement between them of the section of the city assigned to the men of Bologna and Lucca, in relation to a house used by the household of the archbishop of Milan, and the portions allotted to the Cypriots and the Venetians. Ucherius, mag. Robertus and Henricus promise Fillocarus and dominus Adrianus that the Bolognese crusaders can be assured of their adherence and that they will abide by the decisions of their companion dominus Ardicio. The agreement is drawn up by Jacobus Ulgianus quondam Othonis imperatoris notarius.
Jun. 19. Damietta. Church of St Paul. In the presence of presbyter Jacomus de Castro Plumacio, Ugo Medicus de Lucca, Bonamicus notarius de Dacia, Gerardus Carenzus de Lucca and Petrobonus de Bononia, and with the consent of Ubaldus capitaneus et consul Luccensium and Rumonus eius socius, the... more
sources: Röhricht, Studien, pp. 70-2, no. 47
RRR: Council/ruling decisions/legislation
1847
year: 1220
initiator: Bonifacius and Baruffaldinus, capitanei crucesignatorum Bononensium
recipient: Ardizo
text: Jun. 19. Damietta. In the presence of Fillocarus, Adrianus, Clarius and Bolognittus, chosen as surveyors by the men of Bologna, Rumonus and Ubaldus the consules Luccenses and Ucherius, Magister Robertus and Henricus Capardus, the surveyors chosen by the citizens of Lucca, Bonifacius and Baruffaldinus the capitanei crucesignatorum Bononensium appoint Ardizo the principal surveyor of the apportionment [of Damietta]. Witnesses: Petrus Ubertus; Bolnixius Infangati; Fastus de Faffis; Bonamicus notarius; Petrus Ugolinus de Beroardo; Bonromeo Guidonis de Uetrana de Bonon.; domin. Manfredus clericus S. Martini; Gerardus Rozus; Guido Salmoncelli; Brunicardus de Uberto de Pastino; Jacobus de Ulziano quondam imperat. Othonis notar., who also wrote the deed.
Jun. 19. Damietta. In the presence of Fillocarus, Adrianus, Clarius and Bolognittus, chosen as surveyors by the men of Bologna, Rumonus and Ubaldus the consules Luccenses and Ucherius, Magister Robertus and Henricus Capardus, the surveyors chosen by the citizens of Lucca, Bonifacius and... more
sources: Röhricht, Studien, p. 72, no. 48
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1848
year: 1220
initiator: Pope Honorius III
recipient: Cardinal Pelagius of Albano, the papal legate
text: Jul. 24. Orvieto. Pope Honorius III informs cardinal Pelagius of Albano, the papal legate, of the sums of money he is sending out, drawn from the redemption of vows and the crusade tax levied on the church. He specifies very large sums, carried, or to be carried, by the following named individuals: [321] Cardinal Pelagius, himself, the brothers of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem and the Knights Templar, the bishop of Bethlehem, the brothers of the Hospital of St Mary of the Germans, Matheus de Sancta Cecilia scriptor papae et camerarius Pelagii, the patriarch of Antioch, comes Iacobus marescalcus papae, Otto de Machilon, Iohannes de Gizo canonicus Sancti Petri Romae, frater Octo domus sancta Marie Theotonicorum Ierosolimitane, Hugo de Sancto Georgio, Iohannes de Novill, Gerardus de Soturririo frater militie Templi, Rogerius Anglicus de vico Angli frater militie Templi, magister Accontius capellanus papae and the bishop of Lausanne. The pope hopes that the emperor Frederick II, to be crowned at Michaelmas, will leave for the East soon afterwards.
Jul. 24. Orvieto. Pope Honorius III informs cardinal Pelagius of Albano, the papal legate, of the sums of money he is sending out, drawn from the redemption of vows and the crusade tax levied on the church. He specifies very large sums, carried, or to be carried, by the following named individuals... more
sources: Rodenberg, Epistolae 1:88-91, no. 124
RRR: Correspondence/envoy
1849
year: 1220
initiator: Pope Honorius III
recipient: Genoese
text: Jul. 27. Orvieto. Pope Honorius III writes to the Genoese, reporting that King John of Jerusalem and others have complained about the Genoese behaviour at Damietta.
Jul. 27. Orvieto. Pope Honorius III writes to the Genoese, reporting that King John of Jerusalem and others have complained about the Genoese behaviour at Damietta.
sources: Rodenberg, Epistolae 1:91, no. 125