Albéric Clément facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albéric Clément
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Albéric Clément, Marshal of France by Henri Decaisne, 1844
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| Born | c. 1165 |
| Died | July 3, 1191 (aged 25–26) Acre |
| Allegiance | .svg){kind=small} Kingdom of France |
| Rank | Marshal of France |
| Battles/wars | |
| Relations | Robert III Clément (father) Hersende de Mez (mother) Henry I Clément (brother) Hugh Clément (brother) |
Albéric Clément (born around 1165 – died July 3, 1191) was a very important knight in French history. He was the very first Marshal of France, a special military job created just for him by King Philip Augustus in 1185. He also inherited land called Mez (later Mez-le-Maréchal) after his father passed away in 1182.
Albéric was born in the mid-1160s. His parents were Robert III Clément and Hersende de Mez. This means he came from a family of knights known as the Cléments of Mez.
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A Brave Leader in the Crusades
Albéric joined King Philip Augustus on a big journey called the Third Crusade. This was a series of religious wars to take back land in the Middle East. As Marshal, Albéric showed great courage during the Siege of Acre. This was a long and difficult battle to capture the city of Acre. He often led the first group of soldiers, known as the advanced guard, right into the thick of the fighting.
Albéric's Final Battle
Albéric Clément is believed to have died on July 3, 1191. This happened during a brave attempt to break through the city walls of Acre. Stories from that time, like those by the poet Ambroise, say that Albéric led the charge himself. He died near a place called the Accursed Tower. He had sworn that day he would either win or die trying to enter Acre.
Some accounts say Albéric charged the walls holding King Philip's flag. He tried to climb the walls with a ladder. The defenders, called Saracens, pulled him up with a grappling hook. He became separated from his men when rocks were thrown down. Other stories say the ladder broke, leaving him alone on the wall. After his death, a defending soldier was seen wearing Albéric's armor on the walls. King Richard I of England then shot that soldier down.
Albéric had two brothers. One of them, Henry I Clément, later became a Marshal of France himself.
What Did a Marshal of France Do?
When Albéric Clément was given the title of Marshal of France, it was different from what it means today. His job did not involve leading huge armies. Even at Acre, he didn't have official command over many soldiers.
Early Marshal Duties
The Marshal's role was more about managing the king's horses and stables. It was a military job, but it focused on the practical side of the army. It wasn't until the 1400s (the 15th century) that the Marshal's job changed. From then on, a Marshal of France became a top military leader. They had battlefield authority second only to the French king.
Gallery
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This is the coat of arms for the Cléments of Mez family.
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A map of Acre from 1291. It shows where the Accursed Tower was located.
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This painting by Alexandre-Évariste Fragonard shows the death of Albéric Clément.
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