Geoffrey de Rancon facts for kids

Geoffrey III of Rancon was a brave French army leader who lived a long time ago, in the 1100s. He was known as the Lord of Taillebourg. He played an important part in history, especially during a big event called the Second Crusade. He even served as the main army commander for Eleanor of Aquitaine, a very powerful queen.

Who Was Geoffrey III of Rancon?

Geoffrey III of Rancon was a powerful noble from France. He was the Lord of Taillebourg, which meant he owned and ruled a large area of land and a castle. In the 12th century, he became a key figure in the French army.

His Role in the Second Crusade

During the Second Crusade, a major religious war, Geoffrey III of Rancon had a very important job. He was the army commander for Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was the Queen of France at the time. This crusade aimed to help Christians in the Middle East.

The March to Mount Cadmus

One day, the crusader army needed to cross a difficult mountain called Mount Cadmus. King Louis VII of France decided to lead the back of the army. This part of the army included people who were not soldiers and all the heavy baggage.

Geoffrey of Rancon was in charge of the front part of the army. Queen Eleanor was also with this group. They moved faster because they did not have any baggage.

A Disagreement and a Mistake

Geoffrey's orders were to set up camp for the night once they reached the top of Mount Cadmus. However, Geoffrey and Amadeus III, Count of Savoy, who was the king's uncle, decided to keep going. They thought a flat area nearby would be a better place to camp. It was common for leaders to make their own decisions like this.

Because of this, the back part of the army started to slow down. They thought the day's march was almost over. This caused the army to split up. Some soldiers had already crossed the mountain, while others were still trying to reach the top.

The Battle of Mount Cadmus

While the army was separated, a group of Turks attacked. The Turks had been following the crusaders for many days. They saw their chance when the French army was spread out.

The Surprise Attack

The Turks attacked the part of the army that had not yet crossed the mountain. Both soldiers and pilgrims (people traveling for religious reasons) were caught by surprise. Many people tried to escape but were captured or killed. A lot of men, horses, and supplies were pushed into the deep canyon below.

Who Was Blamed?

Geoffrey of Rancon was officially blamed for this disaster. He had made the decision to keep moving instead of stopping at the top of the mountain. Some people even suggested he should be severely punished. However, King Louis VII did not agree to that. Instead, the king sent Geoffrey home from the Crusade early as his punishment. This event is now known as the Battle of Mount Cadmus.

Later Life and Family Connections

Even after the events at Mount Cadmus, Geoffrey of Rancon continued to be involved in important historical moments. He is mentioned as taking part in the Third Crusade. This was another major crusade that happened later.

He also appears in a historical record called the Itinerarium Regis Ricardi. This record shows he was present when King Richard I made a peace agreement with Tancred of Sicily. This happened in Messina on October 6, 1190.

Years later, one of Geoffrey's descendants married Isabelle. Isabelle was the daughter of Isabella of Angoulême, who was Queen Eleanor's daughter-in-law. This shows how Geoffrey's family remained connected to important royal lines.