Now, Antioch is the principal city of Turks and to it has been ascribed the third or perhaps the second seat of dignity, since there is much argument, after Rome itself. Antiochus, who succeeded Alexander of Macedon, gave it his name. Here may be found three hundred and sixty monasteries with a patriarch holding sway over one hundred and fifty-three bishops. Of such authority is Antioch that during its existence seventy-five kings have sat enthroned. At one time it was called Reblata. Here the king of Judah, Zedekiah, together with his sons came into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar who ordered the youths slain under their father’s eyes. Then the king, Zedekiah, was blinded.
Here occurred the first gathering of true believers. Here also they adopted the name Christian. Prior to this they were called Nazarene. Eagerly and voluntarily did the city embrace this faith and disseminate the Name, a name diffusing fragrance like precious ointment. Therefore a new name was appointed. Theopolis. Hence, a city that had borne the name of a wicked man saw fit to honor Almighty God. By what means it reverted to Antioch, mistress of error, I have not heard.
So thick are the walls of Antioch that wagons may be driven along the top and pass without touching. Four hundred turrets surmount these walls, which are the color of biscuit. Within their compass rise four mountain peaks. Antioch is magnificent to behold. It has been called a sister to Constantinople. It has been likened to a fabulous orchard blooming with myrtle and pine, enhanced by a multitude of flowers. Among its many wonders is a church dedicated to the apostle Peter who sat enthroned after receiving the keys to the kingdom of heaven from our Lord. Also, there are numerous public baths watered by ancient Roman cisterns and a theater paved with marble by King Herod. Villas and palaces of wealthy merchants embellish the hillsides.
Antioch scornfully rejected the insidious dogma of Mahomet while Eastern lands shuddered, while millions breathed miasmic falsehood. Among errant or subjugated cities Antioch by itself sustained the true faith. But at last, enfeebled, distressed, unable to combat the wickedness of God’s remorseless enemies, Antioch surrendered. Nevertheless her citizens continued to worship the Lord, for which they were mistrusted. No Christian might have weapons. No Christian might participate in military exercise. None might hold high office. Nor could they leave their homes except at certain hours.
Very often it happens that men know the bays for succulent fish or where to look for mollusc, or which strand is rich with pearl, yet in their blindness they do not know where to look for the good they seek. Thus, when the living host approached Antioch what did the governor do? He imprisoned the Christian patriarch, stabled horses in the cathedral of Saint Paul. If this were not enough, he drove impoverished citizens out of the city lest they become a burden. As for Christians he suffered to remain, they envied the lot of exiles. They carried beams of wood, cement, stones for catapults, labored to strengthen the walls. They got little rest, meager food. And in secret council the Turks resolved that on a particular night every Christian should feel the sword.
Nevertheless, divine vengeance advances, step by step. Albert of Aix tells how the Frankish army marched toward Antioch with purple and gold banners unfurled, sunlight on their helmets, splendrous the painted shields. When they came out on the plain there was the gleaming river Orontes, which originates near Heliopolis and flows grandly past Shaizar. Beyond the Orontes they saw five principal gates to the city. Gate of Saint Paul by which one travels to Aleppo. Bridge Gate by which one crosses the river. Gate of Dogs. Gate of Saint George. Gate of the Duke among a nest of marshes.
Antioch could not be taken from the opposite side because of precipitous slopes and ravines thick with laurel. Therefore the knighthood of Christ encamped on the plain. Here was a babble of voices. Flemings, Frisians, Bavarians, Allobroges, Iberians, Scots, Dacians, Greeks, Alemanni, with others of wonderful strangeness. Should a Breton or Teuton address me, writes Fulcher, I could no more respond than understand.
Now the lords began to debate. Count Raymond urged immediate attack, arguing that by the mercy of God they captured Nicaea and should fear nothing. Others protested because they had no siege engines and to scale such a mighty wall would cost hundreds of lives. Others argued they must press forward because already they had spent one winter on the road to Jerusalem. Thus divided, querulous, they halted. Cattle and horses grazed nearby. Pigeons fluttered about the rooftops of cottages. Here was a lake roiling with fish, waterfowl swarmed in the reeds. Sheep were visible on the hills, orchards slung heavily with fruit. Thinking there could be no end to such abundance they stuffed their bellies on figs, quince, lotus fruit, white bread, wine, birds, and ate little of the animals they slaughtered, choosing only what fastidious appetites suggested. But all things obey their ancient law. So after a while, because these pilgrims succumbed to gluttony, famine succeeded exuberance and prodigality. They had nothing to put on their bread nor bread to put it on. These servants of the Lord munched thistles that pricked their lips, herbs unseasoned with salt, bean stalks, rats, dogs, camel hide, seeds picked from shit. Companies of soldiers explored the countryside, having
