Godfrey of Bouillon Declared Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre - July 22, 1099

On July 22, 1099, following the successful conclusion of the First Crusade, Godfrey of Bouillon was proclaimed the Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre, a title that effectively established him as the ruler of the nascent Kingdom of Jerusalem. This decision came shortly after the crusaders captured Jerusalem from Muslim control on July 15, 1099, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the Crusader states.

Background and Context

The First Crusade was launched in 1096 as a response to Pope Urban II’s call to the Christian knights of Europe to aid the Byzantine Empire against the advancing Seljuk Turks and to reclaim the Holy Land from Islamic rule. It attracted thousands of warriors and was marked by a long and arduous journey through the Middle East, culminating in the siege and eventual capture of Jerusalem.

Godfrey of Bouillon was a prominent figure during the crusade, noted for his leadership and military prowess. He was among the noble leaders who rallied European support, commanding significant influence due to his status as a Duke of Lower Lorraine.

Establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem

Upon the conquest of Jerusalem, the crusader leaders faced the critical task of establishing governance over the newly acquired territories. Despite the expectations of his peers and differing views on the governance of Jerusalem, Godfrey honored the sanctity of the city by refusing the title of “king.” Instead, he opted for the humble designation of “Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre,” highlighting his role as protector of the Christian holy sites rather than as a secular monarch.

His acceptance of this title signifies the leaders’ attempt to balance the religious significance of Jerusalem with the practical needs of ruling a newly founded kingdom. The retainment of religious and political control symbolized the aims of the Crusades, which sought not only to reclaim territories but to assert Christian dominance over key religious sites.

Aftermath and Significance

Godfrey’s rule marked the beginning of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, which would last until its eventual fall in 1291. His leadership laid the groundwork for the governance and defense of the Crusader states. Godfrey’s tenure as Advocate was brief; he died in 1100, leading to the succession of his brother Baldwin I, who would take the title of King of Jerusalem.

This event was critical in shaping the political landscape of the Levant during the medieval period, impacting not only the relations between Christian and Muslim powers but also intra-Christian dynamics as various European states became involved in the politics of the Holy Land. The decision to appoint Godfrey as ruler was vital in ensuring a contiguous Christian presence in Jerusalem, setting a precedent for the rulers that followed.