Chronicles of the Crusades

Originally published in 1908, Chronicles of the Crusades is a two-part historical account written by French authors Lord Jean de Joinville and Geoffrey de Villehardouin. The book is split into two separate testimonies of the Crusades: one about the Fourth Crusade, written by Villehardouin, and one about the Seventh Crusade, written by Joinville. As gallant noblemen who documented the 13th century, both authors boast intimate firsthand accounts of the various battles the crusaders engaged in the attempt to capture Jerusalem. Yet, while Villehardouin’s account simplistically charts the consequences of a wrongheaded, self-serving mission, Joinville’s recollections present a much rosier look at how kindness, generosity, and the wisdom of King Louis IX sought to change the world. Still, both accounts serve as morality tales reinforcing the fallible nature of mankind in a time of war.

The first part of the book is entitled “The Conquest of Constantinople.” Written in the third person by Geoffrey de Villehardouin, a revered French warrior and central decision maker in the Fourth Crusade, the account serves to demonstrate the folly of diversion and shortsighted tactics. Beginning his chronicle in 1198, Villehardouin states that Egypt was the original destination of the Fourth Crusade. Instead, however, the envoys send a fleet to Venice, Italy to gather supplies as well as aid to carry out their mission. As one of the key envoys himself, Villehardouin makes it clear that he bears responsibility for the failings that follow. Namely, the envoys woefully miscalculate their figures. They underestimate the number of men to accompany the expedition and fail to realize they have insufficient funds to pay for a diversionary mission far away from their intended target.

Villehardouin and his fellow envoys make a few attempts to earn enough money to fund their mission. This includes sailing to the port of Corfu, Greece in 1203 and overtaking the area of Andros until the Emperor paid them enough money and riches. However, some troops ended up in Turkey. Instead of pillaging the town as ordered, the troops protect the area and advocate for peace in the process. Soon the fleet arrives in Constantinople, docking at the port of Scutari. The crusaders meet Emperor Alexius, the ruler who imprisoned Isaac and Prince Alexius. The Prince offers the crusaders a wealth of money, riches, and aid in their mission if they agree to overthrow his evil uncle, Alexius III. The Prince wants to be restored to the throne of his father, who has been deposed by the Emperor.



The crusaders agree but soon find that the Prince cannot pay for their services. When Prince Alexius is strangled to death, the Greeks rebel and select a new Emperor. The crusaders ambush the city in a vow to recover the funds promised to them by the Prince. When the dust settles, a new regime assumes the throne for the next six decades. The Conquest of Constantinople ends with the Sack of Byzantium, a vicious attack on the world’s largest Christian city. After conquering the land, the crusaders divided the Byzantine Empire among themselves. Villehardouin was on the frontlines throughout, and his account gives a clear, concise, no-frills testimony as to how the Fourth Crusade started in one direction but altered the course of history by ending up in a completely different destination.

The second part of the book, written by French nobleman and documentarian Jean de Joinville, is entitled “The Life of Saint Louis.” Stylistically, Joinville’s edition is much more casual and anecdotal than the terse, straight-forward account of Villehardouin. Joinville begins by explaining why he wrote the book, noting how his depiction of personal friend King Louis IX would be used in the documentation to grant Louis sainthood by the Catholic Church. Joinville’s account is therefore an open hagiography of King Louis IX’s life before and during the time of Seventh Crusade (1248-1254). Joinville begins by giving numerous examples of Louis’ altruistic spirit, including how he risked his life to save many others.

Much of the book includes instances of Louis’ wise and benevolent behavior. Joinville chronicles Louis’ rule at home in France, but the crux of his account focuses on the Seventh Crusade. Once again, the mission is to take Egypt. However, the unforgivable nature of the Nile River made it almost impossible for the ships to navigate. Louis and his men prove to be ill-prepared. Upon being captured by the Egyptians, the crusaders agree to pay a ransom for King Louis IX. Due to his stature as a revered knight and as a devout Christian, Louis was allowed to stay in Acre, where effectively ruled for several years on merit alone. Joinville recounts being in Louis’ service for four years, chronicling the various trials and tribulations along the way.



Louis’ crusade helps the people of Jerusalem defend themselves against Turkish incursions, as well as other enemy invasions. The standoff allows the people of Jerusalem to fortify their castles and maintain their land. While the mission is a major strategic failure, King Louis IX leaves the Holy Land and takes his experience back to France. As Louis readies for an impending English invasion, he vows to transform his kingdom into a place of egalitarian justice. For his part, Joinville is there every step of the way to give a personal eyewitness testimony. King Louis IX was canonized in 1297.

While “The Conquest of Constantinople” and “The Life of Saint Louis” differ drastically, they both serve to remind the reader of mankind’s foibles in the fog of war. Villehardouin’s account is a stark recollection of the Fourth Crusade’s misguided attempt to capture Egypt that resulted in the collapse of the Byzantine Empire. Joinville’s personal account reflects the saintly life and accomplishments of King Louis IX before and during the Seventh Crusade. Ultimately failing to overtake Egypt once more, Louis’ capture, ransom, and release informed how he chose to rule with pious benevolence upon his return to France.