material scarcity missiles recognized
exhaust devices signals Saracens
Many are the tales that are told of the knightly leaders in this first
crusade, and many were their adventures. It was on the 29th of May, 1099,
that the Christian army first came into full view of the Holy City. Filled
with new zeal at the sight, every man shouted, “It is the will of God.”
The city, however, had been fortified in every possible way, and Godfrey,
who was in command, knew it would be a hard task to mount the high walls.
He was certain that battering-rams would be necessary to break down the
walls, but how were they to obtain the material to make them? The barren
country around afforded nothing of which they could make use. To transport
the timber from a distance would exhaust both men and horses which were
already suffering from scarcity of water and food.
At last news came that a fleet had arrived from Genoa with siege machines
and supplies. The crusaders hastened to the nearest seaport, but found
that their enemies had been before them and destroyed the fleet. Still
they were able to pick up much of the material and many of the instruments
used in the making of the machines. Some of the Genoese who were skilled
in handicraft put together a few wooden towers and other devices which
were of great use in surmounting and breaking down the walls. Bridges were
also thrown out, over the walls, by which the soldiers could pass into the
city.
On Thursday morning, July 14, 1099, the crusaders made the first attack
with their wooden towers. The Saracens, as the Mohammedans were called by
the crusaders, met them with missiles of all sorts, which they threw upon
them. The crusaders soon made a breach in the wall, but still could not
enter the city.
Early the next morning the attack was renewed. A procession of priests
was formed and moved about through the throng, encouraging the knights.
A pigeon was captured, and under its wing a note was found telling the
Saracen commander that help was at hand. This stirred the Christians to
still fiercer attack.
Suddenly there appeared to the host a horseman clothed in white. The
crusaders at once recognized the vision of St. George. “St. George has
come to our assistance,” Godfrey exclaimed. “He signals to enter the Holy
City.”
[Illustration: JERUSALEM TAKEN BY THE CRUSADERS]
Again arose the cry, “God wills it! God wills it!” Godfrey commanded the
attack to be renewed. The hay which the Saracens had heaped up against
the walls to deaden the shock of the battering-rams was set on fire. The
Saracens, stifled by the smoke, leaped from the walls. Then the tower
bridges were let fall, and soon Godfrey and other knights forced their way
into the city.
After the capture of the Holy City, Godfrey was chosen king of Jerusalem,
or Defender of the Faith. But he lived only about a year to enjoy that
high distinction.