Joscius (archbishop of Tyre) facts for kids

Joscius (also known as Josce or Josias) was an important church leader in the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem during the late 1100s. He became the Archbishop of Tyre and played a key role in the politics and events of his time, especially after major defeats for the Crusader forces. He likely passed away in 1202.

Early Life and Church Role

Joscius started his church career as a canon and subdeacon in the city of Acre. This meant he was a respected member of the church clergy there. On November 23, 1172, he became the Bishop of Acre.

In 1179, Joscius traveled to Europe as part of a group representing the Latin church from the Crusader states. They attended a very important meeting called the Third Lateran Council. While in Europe, he also visited France. He was sent by King Baldwin IV to try and arrange a marriage between Hugh III, Duke of Burgundy, and Baldwin's sister, Sibylla. However, this marriage never happened. Sibylla later married Guy of Lusignan the following year.

Archbishop of Tyre and Major Conflicts

Joscius became the Archbishop of Tyre sometime before October 21, 1186, taking over from William of Tyre. Around this time, Sibylla and Guy became the Queen and King of Jerusalem. This was against the wishes of Raymond III of Tripoli, who had hoped his own supporters would take the throne.

Raymond III then made an alliance with the Muslim leader Saladin against King Guy. In April 1187, King Guy tried to make peace. He sent a group of important people, including Joscius, to meet with Raymond. However, this group was attacked by part of Saladin's army at the Battle of Cresson on May 1. The Crusader forces were defeated. Joscius was present at this battle.

After the defeat, Joscius and Balian of Ibelin continued to Tiberias to meet Raymond. Raymond soon made peace with King Guy because of the serious threat from Saladin. Saladin's invasion led to the terrible Battle of Hattin on July 4. The entire Crusader army was destroyed there. The few survivors fled to Tyre, where Conrad of Montferrat quickly took charge of the city's defenses.

Journey to Europe for Help

After the disaster at Hattin, Joscius traveled to Europe to seek help. He first arrived in Sicily, where King William II promised to send his fleet to the east. Although King William died before he could join the crusade himself, his fleet helped save Tripoli from Saladin's attacks.

Joscius then continued to Rome. It is said that the news of Hattin was so shocking that it caused Pope Urban III to die. His successor, Gregory VIII, then issued a special message called a bull, named Audita tremendi. This message called for a new crusade to retake Jerusalem.

Joscius then went to France. News of Hattin had already reached there, and Richard, Count of Poitou (who would later become King Richard the Lionheart), had already promised to go on crusade. In January 1188, Joscius met with Henry II of England, Philip II of France, and Philip, Count of Flanders, at a place called Gisors. Joscius helped them make peace with each other and convinced them to join the crusade. In England, King Henry created a special tax called the Saladin tithe to pay for the crusade.

After the Third Crusade

After the Third Crusade ended, Joscius became the chancellor of Jerusalem. This was a very important role, like a chief advisor, for Henry II of Champagne. Henry had married Queen Isabella I of Jerusalem after Conrad of Montferrat was murdered, but he did not take the title of king.

Henry was involved in a disagreement with the church leaders of the Canons of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre about choosing a new Latin Patriarch (the highest church official). Henry even had them arrested until Joscius stepped in and helped resolve the situation.

Joscius was also present in 1198 when the Teutonic Knights were officially founded. This was a new military and religious order. Joscius likely died in 1202.

Sources

• William of Tyre, A History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea, trans. E.A. Babcock and A.C. Krey. Columbia University Press, 1943.
• Steven Runciman, A History of the Crusades, vols. II-III. Cambridge University Press, 1952-54.
• Bernard Hamilton, The Leper King and his Heirs, Cambridge University Press, 2000.
• Peter W. Edbury, The Conquest of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade: Sources in Translation. Ashgate, 1996.