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 Godefroy de Bouillon
Belgium
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Duke of Basse Lorraine, marquis of Anvers and duke of Bouillon, Godefroy complies with
Urbain II request for the liberation of Christ's grave. He sells his castle and on the 7the of August 1096 he sets off at the head of one of the four first crusade's army : that of the Knights from Meuse and Rhin.
After a very trying journey, Jerusalem is conquered in July 1099. He is the first to tread on his walls.
Out of humility Godefroy refuses, to be appointed as King of Jerusalem as is offered him and only agrees to become Attorney of the Holy Sepulcher.
He soon deserves well of his part by beating off the Turkish attack in Ashquelon , in 1099.
After his death, legend takes hold of him and his sword that is said to have attended Jeanne d'Arc in her campaigns.
Worth reading : Jerusalem délivrée (Jerusalem rescued) by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso.
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