Departure of Raymond of Toulouse from Laodikeia to Constantinople

Summary:
Raymond of Toulouse left his wife at Laodikeia and went to Constantinople to ask for aid, probably seeking permission to hold some part of Northern Syria as an imperial official [Ralph of Caen cannot be right to date the journey after Raymond had begun to attack Tripoli]. Alexios I was pleased that he brought with him the lance as a gift, but also because he was making a personal supplication for aid. Crusaders (including Raymond) had previously often refused help even when it was offered 
Dates:
1100 
Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (Alexios 1)
  • After the First Crusade, received Robert 62 and Robert 63 graciously and with generous gifts as they were going home; received Raymond 61 magnificently and entertained him for some time till he returned to Syria (: ) William of Tyre bk. 9, 13.4-38
  • He received Raymond 61 well when he came to the capital from Laodikeia; he was grateful for the gift of the lance, and also pleased at his personal supplication for assistance, which contrasted with his previous refusals to accept it when offered (:) Ralph of Caen 145
Elvira of Leon-Castile, wife of Raymond of Toulouse (Anonyma 4007)
  • When Raymond 61 returned to Constantinople after the First Crusade, was left at Laodikeia with her household (: ) William of Tyre bk. 9, 13.32-38
  • When Raymond 61 left Jerusalem after completing the Crusade, she was left at Laodikeia while he went to Constantinople, expecting to return (:) Fulcher of Chartres 1.32.1
Raymond of Saint-Gilles, count of Toulouse (Raymond 61)
  • Went from Palestine to Laodikeia, where he left his wife Anonyma 4007 and his household, and travelled to Constantinople, where he was received kindly and magnificently by Alexios 1, with generous gifts; would return to his wife in two years (: ) William of Tyre bk. 9, 13.32-38
  • After the defeat of the Egyptians at Askalon and visiting all the pilgrim sites, he decided to leave, like many other leaders; he went to Laodikeia in Syria, left Anonyma 4007 there, and went on to Constantinople, expecting to return (:) Fulcher of Chartres 1.32.1
  • When he realised that his lack of troops and resources made it hard to capture Tripoli, he appealed to Alexios 1; he went to Constantinople, taking the lance as a gift, winning Alexios' gratitude for that and for his personal appeal [the visit to Constantinople is dated in other sources before the attack on Tripoli] (:) Ralph of Caen 145