The Battle Rhetoric of Crusade and Holy War, c. 1099–c. 1222

Description

This book examines Latin narratives produced in the aftermath of the First Crusade and challenges the narrative of supposed brutality and amorality of warfare in this period--instead focusing on the moral and didactic concerns surrounding warfare and violence with which medieval authors wrestled. The battle oration, a rousing harangue exhorting warriors to deeds of valour, has been regarded as a significant aspect of warfare since the age of Xenophon, and has continued to influence conceptions of campaigning and combat to the present day. While its cultural and chronological pervasiveness attests to the power of this trope, scholarly engagement with the literary phenomenon of the pre-battle speech has been limited. Moreover, previous work on medieval battle rhetoric has only served to reinforce the supposed brutality and amorality of warfare in this period, highlighting appeals to martial prowess, a hatred for ‘the enemy’ and promises of wealth and glory. This book, through an examination of Latin narratives produced in the aftermath of the First Crusade and the decades that followed, challenges this understanding and illuminates the moral and didactic concerns surrounding warfare and violence with which medieval authors wrestled. Furthermore, while battle orations form a clear mechanism by which the fledgling crusading movement could be explored ideologically, this comparative study reveals how non-crusading warfare in this period was also being reconceptualised in light of changing ideas about just war, authority and righteousness in Christian society. This volume is perfect for researchers, students and scholars alike interested in medieval history and military studies. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgements Abbreviations Note on translations Introduction The Debate on Battle Orations Defining Crusade Battle Rhetoric 1. The Battle Oration and Classical Rhetoric Introduction Principles of Classical Rhetoric and their Medieval Development Textual Influences on Medieval Rhetorical Writing The Context of Battle Rhetoric in the Twelfth Century The Purpose and Audience of Twelfth-Century Battle Rhetoric Conclusion 2. 'No War of the Flesh, but of the Spirit': The Battle Rhetoric of Penitential Pilgrimage Introduction Text Rhetorical Topoi Conclusion 3. The Victory of the Familia Christi and the Development of Crusade Ideology Introduction Corpus Peter Tudebode Fulcher of Chartres Historia Belli Sacri Baldric of Bourgueil Robert the Monk Guibert of Nogent Albert of Aachen Ralph of Caen Henry of Huntingdon Orderic Vitalis The Monte Cassino Chronicle Themes Martial Virtue Material Reward Gentes and nationes Divine Aid Suffering and Martyrdom The Cross and the Holy Sepulchre Unity Vengeance and Justice Conclusion 4. Justice, Authority and Legitimate Violence in Holy War Introduction The Context of De expugnatione Lyxnbonesi Text Themes Martial Virtue Gentes and nationes Material Reward Justice and Vengeance Divine Aid Unity The Cross, Suffering and Salvation Conclusion 5. Vengeance, Martyrdom and Heroic Failure in Military Service to Christ Introduction The Context of the Itinerarium Peregrinorum et Gesta Regis Ricardi Text Themes Martial Virtue Gentes and nationes Material Reward Divine Aid The Cross Vengeance and Justice Spiritual Reward and Martyrdom Conclusion Conclusions Bibliography Primary Sources Secondary Sources Index