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Bohemond of Taranto: Crusader and Conqueror
Bohemond of Taranto, Lord of Antioch, unofficial leader of the First Crusade, was a man of boundless ambition and inexhaustible energy - he was, in the words of Romuald of Salerno, 'always seeking the impossible'. While he failed in his quest to secure the Byzantine throne, he succeeded in founding the most enduring of all the crusader states. Yet few substantial accounts of the life of this remarkable warrior have been written and none have been published in English for over a century - and that is why this absorbing new study by Georgios Theotokis is of such value.
He concentrates on Bohemond as a soldier and commander, covering his contribution to the crusades but focusing in particular on his military achievements in Italy, Sicily, the Balkans and Anatolia. Since medieval commanders generally receive little credit for their strategic understanding, he examines Bohemond's war-plans in his many campaigns, describes how he adapted his battle-tactics when facing different opponents and considers whether his approach to waging war was typical of the Norman commanders of his time.
He concentrates on Bohemond as a soldier and commander, covering his contribution to the crusades but focusing in particular on his military achievements in Italy, Sicily, the Balkans and Anatolia. Since medieval commanders generally receive little credit for their strategic understanding, he examines Bohemond's war-plans in his many campaigns, describes how he adapted his battle-tactics when facing different opponents and considers whether his approach to waging war was typical of the Norman commanders of his time.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2021
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March 22, 2021
Before complaining that this is NOT a biography, the synopsis clearly states that the author " ... concentrates on Bohemond as a soldier and commander, covering his contribution to the crusades but focusing in particular on his military achievements in Italy, Sicily, the Balkans and Anatolia ..."
And whilst Theotokis does cover off - albeit briefly - a history of the Normans in southern Italy and Bohemond's antecedent's, this is an assessment of his achievements (and failures) as a strategist and commander, focusing on the most prominent parts of Bohemond's military career.
If you have sought this book out, then there is an implied assumption that a cursory knowledge of the times and of the crusades is held by the reader. The military focus is centred around Bohemond's involvement in both his own and his father's campaigns in Italy, Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Latin East. The sources used as contemporary - and like today's - occasionally tinged with bias. Yes, it would be great to be able to access more sources from his "enemies" - and hopefully one day these will become more readily available and a truer picture of this restless, enigmatic and oft times, impetuous warrior may be told.
In the meantime, I would suggest reading this along with the more dedicated Crusader and Norman narratives.
And whilst Theotokis does cover off - albeit briefly - a history of the Normans in southern Italy and Bohemond's antecedent's, this is an assessment of his achievements (and failures) as a strategist and commander, focusing on the most prominent parts of Bohemond's military career.
If you have sought this book out, then there is an implied assumption that a cursory knowledge of the times and of the crusades is held by the reader. The military focus is centred around Bohemond's involvement in both his own and his father's campaigns in Italy, Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Latin East. The sources used as contemporary - and like today's - occasionally tinged with bias. Yes, it would be great to be able to access more sources from his "enemies" - and hopefully one day these will become more readily available and a truer picture of this restless, enigmatic and oft times, impetuous warrior may be told.
In the meantime, I would suggest reading this along with the more dedicated Crusader and Norman narratives.
February 1, 2021
The Crusades have been recently examined as a whole or by individual Crusades to show the significance of these wars and why the Crusaders fought. It is only the main Crusaders, the leaders, whose names and legacies are remembered to this day. One such man was a Norman who was considered the unofficial leader of the First Crusade, Bohemond of Taranto. Bohemond was a true warrior who fought numerous enemies, including the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos, and would become the Lord of Antioch. His deeds would earn him praise from his allies and ire from his enemies. The impact that Bohemond of Taranto left on the First Crusade cannot be underestimated, especially when it came to the military strategies that he employed to secure his numerous victories. In Georgios Theotokis’ latest biography, “Bohemond of Taranto: Crusader and Conqueror”, he explores the life of this legendary man with a particular focus on his military prowess to better understand his legacy.
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book. I was not familiar with Bohemond of Taranto and his story so I was keen to learn more about him and the First Crusade.
Bohemond of Taranto was the son of Robert Guiscard and his first wife Alberada of Buonalbergo, but when their marriage was annulled due to consanguinity, Bohemond was declared a bastard. Although he was viewed as illegitimate in the eyes of the church, Robert still treated Bohemond as an equal, especially when it came to military ventures. Under Robert’s tutelage, Bohemond cultivated the strategic skills that would be essential in his conquests of land in Italy, Sicily, the Balkans, and Anatolia. Along the way, Bohemond would become frenemies with the power Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos. The interactions between the two men were recorded in the Alexiad, which was written by Alexios’ daughter Anna Komnene; she was not the biggest fan of Bohemond, but Theotokis relies on her work heavily throughout this biography.
It was not just international foes that Bohemond had to deal with as there was a succession battle between him and his brother Roger Borsa for control over their father’s land. On top of all of this, Bohemond of Taranto and his uncle Roger I of Sicily were asked to lead the First Crusade that was declared by Pope Urban II to reclaim the Holy Land. Along the way, Bohemond made the difficult decision to pay homage to Alexios Komnenos, which would prove beneficial up to a point. It was during this time that Bohemond and his Norman army helped capture Antioch for the crusaders and Bohemond was declared Lord of Antioch. While Bohemond was away conquering other cities, his nephew Tancred of Hauteville was his regent in Antioch.
I think Theotokis does an excellent job of showing the military strategies that made Bohemond such a dynamic leader. I found this account extremely fascinating and eye-opening on what one leader could do in a few decades. The one problem that I had with this biography was the fact that there were so many names of leaders and places that I had never heard of that I was getting a bit confused. I wish Theotokis had included a list of important names and places with a quick blurb about their significance in the front of the book to help the First Crusade novices such as myself. Overall, I think this is was a very well written and researched biography. If you want a solid biography about one of the leaders of the First Crusade, check out, “Bohemond of Taranto: Crusader and Conqueror” by Georgios Theotokis.
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book. I was not familiar with Bohemond of Taranto and his story so I was keen to learn more about him and the First Crusade.
Bohemond of Taranto was the son of Robert Guiscard and his first wife Alberada of Buonalbergo, but when their marriage was annulled due to consanguinity, Bohemond was declared a bastard. Although he was viewed as illegitimate in the eyes of the church, Robert still treated Bohemond as an equal, especially when it came to military ventures. Under Robert’s tutelage, Bohemond cultivated the strategic skills that would be essential in his conquests of land in Italy, Sicily, the Balkans, and Anatolia. Along the way, Bohemond would become frenemies with the power Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos. The interactions between the two men were recorded in the Alexiad, which was written by Alexios’ daughter Anna Komnene; she was not the biggest fan of Bohemond, but Theotokis relies on her work heavily throughout this biography.
It was not just international foes that Bohemond had to deal with as there was a succession battle between him and his brother Roger Borsa for control over their father’s land. On top of all of this, Bohemond of Taranto and his uncle Roger I of Sicily were asked to lead the First Crusade that was declared by Pope Urban II to reclaim the Holy Land. Along the way, Bohemond made the difficult decision to pay homage to Alexios Komnenos, which would prove beneficial up to a point. It was during this time that Bohemond and his Norman army helped capture Antioch for the crusaders and Bohemond was declared Lord of Antioch. While Bohemond was away conquering other cities, his nephew Tancred of Hauteville was his regent in Antioch.
I think Theotokis does an excellent job of showing the military strategies that made Bohemond such a dynamic leader. I found this account extremely fascinating and eye-opening on what one leader could do in a few decades. The one problem that I had with this biography was the fact that there were so many names of leaders and places that I had never heard of that I was getting a bit confused. I wish Theotokis had included a list of important names and places with a quick blurb about their significance in the front of the book to help the First Crusade novices such as myself. Overall, I think this is was a very well written and researched biography. If you want a solid biography about one of the leaders of the First Crusade, check out, “Bohemond of Taranto: Crusader and Conqueror” by Georgios Theotokis.
February 12, 2021
I didn't know much about Bohemond before this book, but I am so glad that I read it! Wow! This book was full of great information, and it was broken down in such a way as to keep the reader from feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. There is a lot to learn about this man, and his role in the first crusade, but it also lays out the good, the bad, and the wow factors so very nicely!
Great weekend read if you are looking to learn something!
Great weekend read if you are looking to learn something!
April 20, 2023
The book that I present to you today tells the human story of one of the great warriors of the Middle Ages, Bohemond of Taranto. The book, written by historian Georgios Theotokis, is an analysis of his life and exploits.
It is interesting because the analysis of the character protagonist of the book is carried out on the sources, obviously, but these sources are often in contradiction when they are not written for pure propaganda or apologetic purposes. For example, this is the case of the "Alexiad" by Anna Comnena, daughter of the Emperor Alexios Comnenos, the great antagonist of Robert the Guiscard first and of Bohemond, son of Guiscard, later. As pleasant as it may be, the text of the Alexiad is deeply marked by the denigration of the "Latins" (as Westerners were called by the Romaioi or Byzantines) paradoxically seen as treacherous, that is the same accusation that was addressed to the "Romaioi" by Western forces . It is also a text that often loses sight of some important elements of our history, namely that of Bohemond.However, the research done by Theotokis is profound but at the same time pleasant with a detail that I appreciated (having studied Greek) that is the use of the original words of the text in this language(obviously in the Alexiad). But Theotokis also refers to other important texts although despite the impact that this formidable character, born in Calabria in San Marco Argentano, has left on his time, much news has not been transmitted to us and some points of his life are obscure.
To clarify who Bohemond of Taranto was (Taranto being a lordship that is attested but which is apparently not present in any contemporary text) we must go back to that great movement of people that was the Norman invasion of the Italian south, coinciding in part with the period in which the Normans conquered the throne of England with William the "Bastard". The affirmation of this warrior people left traces in half of Europe, and also in Italy, two brothers, Roberto the Guiscard and his brother Count Roger (from the Hauteville or Altavilla family) divided the south berween themselves in a few years. Bohemond, son of Robert, made a name for himself by fighting together with his father and, following the death of this, he was left nearly without territories to rule, having to submit to his half-brother Roger Borsa and his uncle Roger. However, Bohemond's political and military life took a different turn when the First Crusade was launched, an event in which he was the protagonist.
In this case we are faced with one of the leaders of the Crusade, who, in order to be successful, had to make use of an old enemy of the Altavilla family, Alexios Comnenos, Emperor of Byzantium. He obtained to make the leaders of the Crusade swear by giving them support but also demanding the restitution of the lands stolen from the Islamic forces that had occupied them. Those who are familiar with the history of Byzantium know well the moment in which the empire was after the defeat of Manzikert, the loss of Bari (the last bastion in the west, both events in 1071) and the troubles that followed. Alessio has the strength to restore order with his authority. He was undoubtedly one of the great emperors of Constantinople. However, the Crusade comes at a wrong time and many of the mostly French warriors who take part in the Crusade are unmanageable characters. The palpable distrust between two worlds and two faiths (the schism took place in 1054) is exacerbated by the progress of the Crusade towards its destination, Jerusalem. In this period Bohemond managed to wrest one of the great cities of that time, Antioch, from the Seljuk Turks. It creates a principality that remained one of the longest-lived Kingdoms "D'Outremer" . Here other disagreements emerge between the Western and Byzantine forces and Bohemond after being taken prisoner and held by the Turks for several years, manages to return to his homeland feigning his death and traveling in a coffin to escape the controls of his old enemy the Emperor Alexios . He returns to his homeland to call, with the help of the Pope and other prelates and dignitaries, another crusade, this time against Alexios for his betrayal in not having supported Christian forces. But not everything goes as it should and Alexios manages to limit Bohemond's forces by forcing him to come to terms. Bohemond returns to his homeland and dies, being buried in Canosa di Puglia.
Theotokis' tale narrates several aspects of this character. First of all, it is a military story of a great warrior of the Norman tradition. But Bohemond departs from the stereotype (in reality often coincident) of the crude Western warrior and not very accustomed to military art but only to simple violence. Bohemond shows great adaptability. Furthermore, Bohemond is shrewd, speaks Greek, knows his enemy, both Greek and Seljuk, having met him several times. It is no coincidence that he manages to obtain the dominion of a large slice of territory, what will later become the Principality of Antioch. He gets what he was unable to achieve at home, in southern Italy. Bohemond is a character that today we would define "Larger than Life" and his epitaph confirms this. For my part, living in Calabria, a few kilometers from a small town called Gerace (I can see it from my window at this moment) where part of the enterprises of the two brothers Robert the Guiscard and Count Roger took place, I feel them much more nearer of any other historical figure, and I can only thank Dr. Georgios Theotokis for bringing this great military leader back into the spotlight.
It is interesting because the analysis of the character protagonist of the book is carried out on the sources, obviously, but these sources are often in contradiction when they are not written for pure propaganda or apologetic purposes. For example, this is the case of the "Alexiad" by Anna Comnena, daughter of the Emperor Alexios Comnenos, the great antagonist of Robert the Guiscard first and of Bohemond, son of Guiscard, later. As pleasant as it may be, the text of the Alexiad is deeply marked by the denigration of the "Latins" (as Westerners were called by the Romaioi or Byzantines) paradoxically seen as treacherous, that is the same accusation that was addressed to the "Romaioi" by Western forces . It is also a text that often loses sight of some important elements of our history, namely that of Bohemond.However, the research done by Theotokis is profound but at the same time pleasant with a detail that I appreciated (having studied Greek) that is the use of the original words of the text in this language(obviously in the Alexiad). But Theotokis also refers to other important texts although despite the impact that this formidable character, born in Calabria in San Marco Argentano, has left on his time, much news has not been transmitted to us and some points of his life are obscure.
To clarify who Bohemond of Taranto was (Taranto being a lordship that is attested but which is apparently not present in any contemporary text) we must go back to that great movement of people that was the Norman invasion of the Italian south, coinciding in part with the period in which the Normans conquered the throne of England with William the "Bastard". The affirmation of this warrior people left traces in half of Europe, and also in Italy, two brothers, Roberto the Guiscard and his brother Count Roger (from the Hauteville or Altavilla family) divided the south berween themselves in a few years. Bohemond, son of Robert, made a name for himself by fighting together with his father and, following the death of this, he was left nearly without territories to rule, having to submit to his half-brother Roger Borsa and his uncle Roger. However, Bohemond's political and military life took a different turn when the First Crusade was launched, an event in which he was the protagonist.
In this case we are faced with one of the leaders of the Crusade, who, in order to be successful, had to make use of an old enemy of the Altavilla family, Alexios Comnenos, Emperor of Byzantium. He obtained to make the leaders of the Crusade swear by giving them support but also demanding the restitution of the lands stolen from the Islamic forces that had occupied them. Those who are familiar with the history of Byzantium know well the moment in which the empire was after the defeat of Manzikert, the loss of Bari (the last bastion in the west, both events in 1071) and the troubles that followed. Alessio has the strength to restore order with his authority. He was undoubtedly one of the great emperors of Constantinople. However, the Crusade comes at a wrong time and many of the mostly French warriors who take part in the Crusade are unmanageable characters. The palpable distrust between two worlds and two faiths (the schism took place in 1054) is exacerbated by the progress of the Crusade towards its destination, Jerusalem. In this period Bohemond managed to wrest one of the great cities of that time, Antioch, from the Seljuk Turks. It creates a principality that remained one of the longest-lived Kingdoms "D'Outremer" . Here other disagreements emerge between the Western and Byzantine forces and Bohemond after being taken prisoner and held by the Turks for several years, manages to return to his homeland feigning his death and traveling in a coffin to escape the controls of his old enemy the Emperor Alexios . He returns to his homeland to call, with the help of the Pope and other prelates and dignitaries, another crusade, this time against Alexios for his betrayal in not having supported Christian forces. But not everything goes as it should and Alexios manages to limit Bohemond's forces by forcing him to come to terms. Bohemond returns to his homeland and dies, being buried in Canosa di Puglia.
Theotokis' tale narrates several aspects of this character. First of all, it is a military story of a great warrior of the Norman tradition. But Bohemond departs from the stereotype (in reality often coincident) of the crude Western warrior and not very accustomed to military art but only to simple violence. Bohemond shows great adaptability. Furthermore, Bohemond is shrewd, speaks Greek, knows his enemy, both Greek and Seljuk, having met him several times. It is no coincidence that he manages to obtain the dominion of a large slice of territory, what will later become the Principality of Antioch. He gets what he was unable to achieve at home, in southern Italy. Bohemond is a character that today we would define "Larger than Life" and his epitaph confirms this. For my part, living in Calabria, a few kilometers from a small town called Gerace (I can see it from my window at this moment) where part of the enterprises of the two brothers Robert the Guiscard and Count Roger took place, I feel them much more nearer of any other historical figure, and I can only thank Dr. Georgios Theotokis for bringing this great military leader back into the spotlight.
December 13, 2021
If you have even a passing knowledge of the Crusades, you will know the name Bohemond of Taranto. But until Georgios Theotokis came along with this book, full-length studies of Bohemond in English have been few and far between. Theotokis concentrates on three aspects of Bohemond’s military career: as a strategist, a tactician, and trans-cultural warrior.
Theotokis begins by describing Bohemond and his Norman background before taking us into the action when Bohemond accompanied his father on the Norman invasion of the Balkans in 1081. That did not go the way they had planned, with Byzantine resistance proving formidable, especially at sea. But the crushing victory over Alexios I Komnenos at Dyrrachium opened the doors of Greece to an army now under the command of Bohemond. He won several subsequent victories but ultimately came undone in battle and through logistical problems. There then followed a succession crisis and civil war at home, but bigger events soon took over.
Bohemond was typically at war, this time in Italy, when the First Crusade swept him along in its tide. Bohemond signed on, and after he and the other leading crusaders had negotiated their passage through the Byzantine Empire, he was on his way to the Holy Land. The sieges and battles with which we are familiar followed. Of particular note was the siege of Antioch in 1097/98 where, Theotokis argues, Bohemond’s strategic and tactical experience had made him the de-facto leader of the Crusade, but that did not make it automatic that he would take control of Antioch over the other crusaders or Alexios.
After much, mainly diplomatic, struggle, Bohemond emerged as the prince of Antioch, and he set about consolidating his new principality. Then in 1100, Bohemond made a terrible mistake, leading to his capture in battle. His ransom paid, Bohemond returned to Antioch and more struggles against the Turks. He nearly lost everything at the Battle of Harran in 1104, continues Theotokis, and the situation certainly deteriorated. Bohemond returned to Europe in 1105 to raise support for a new campaign against the Byzantine Empire in the Balkans. That culminated in the Treaty of Devol in 1108 and also ended Bohemond’s designs in the Balkans. He died quietly three years later. Theotokis concludes by arguing that Bohemond was indeed a great, but flawed, soldier and strategist.
Georgios Theotokis has written an engaging military biography of Bohemond that is anchored in the primary sources and secondary interpretations. His own analysis is forthright and will give students of the Crusades plenty to chew on. Theotokis is adept at describing battles and campaigns, and he provides a balanced analysis of the problems the crusaders faced. However, Theotokis does not fall into the trap of confining Bohemond’s military career to the Crusades, but gives due weight to his other activities, particularly his diplomatic successes and failures. Bohemond was a complex leader and warrior, and this biography does him justice.
Theotokis begins by describing Bohemond and his Norman background before taking us into the action when Bohemond accompanied his father on the Norman invasion of the Balkans in 1081. That did not go the way they had planned, with Byzantine resistance proving formidable, especially at sea. But the crushing victory over Alexios I Komnenos at Dyrrachium opened the doors of Greece to an army now under the command of Bohemond. He won several subsequent victories but ultimately came undone in battle and through logistical problems. There then followed a succession crisis and civil war at home, but bigger events soon took over.
Bohemond was typically at war, this time in Italy, when the First Crusade swept him along in its tide. Bohemond signed on, and after he and the other leading crusaders had negotiated their passage through the Byzantine Empire, he was on his way to the Holy Land. The sieges and battles with which we are familiar followed. Of particular note was the siege of Antioch in 1097/98 where, Theotokis argues, Bohemond’s strategic and tactical experience had made him the de-facto leader of the Crusade, but that did not make it automatic that he would take control of Antioch over the other crusaders or Alexios.
After much, mainly diplomatic, struggle, Bohemond emerged as the prince of Antioch, and he set about consolidating his new principality. Then in 1100, Bohemond made a terrible mistake, leading to his capture in battle. His ransom paid, Bohemond returned to Antioch and more struggles against the Turks. He nearly lost everything at the Battle of Harran in 1104, continues Theotokis, and the situation certainly deteriorated. Bohemond returned to Europe in 1105 to raise support for a new campaign against the Byzantine Empire in the Balkans. That culminated in the Treaty of Devol in 1108 and also ended Bohemond’s designs in the Balkans. He died quietly three years later. Theotokis concludes by arguing that Bohemond was indeed a great, but flawed, soldier and strategist.
Georgios Theotokis has written an engaging military biography of Bohemond that is anchored in the primary sources and secondary interpretations. His own analysis is forthright and will give students of the Crusades plenty to chew on. Theotokis is adept at describing battles and campaigns, and he provides a balanced analysis of the problems the crusaders faced. However, Theotokis does not fall into the trap of confining Bohemond’s military career to the Crusades, but gives due weight to his other activities, particularly his diplomatic successes and failures. Bohemond was a complex leader and warrior, and this biography does him justice.
February 25, 2021
First and foremost you will need to have some knowledge about the Crusades and especially the First Crusade in order to dive into this well researched biography of Bohemond I of Antioch, one of the greatest military leader & ruler of the early crusading saga. Son of Robert Guiscard,he is the first successful player in the Norman adventure in the conquest of Sicily and Southern Italy and the founder of one of the most enduring of all the crusaders states. Dr. Georgios Theotokis gives us a masterful portrait of a genial ruler, his military prowess and a clear overview of the political & military shenanigans at play during the First Crusade.
Dan Jones' The crusaders in English & Pierre Aube's Les empires normands d'Orient in French will be a good start in order to appreciate the life of this norman mercenary turned military genius & empire builder. The beginnings of the fabulous Norman Empire of Southern Italy....
Many thanks to Netgalley and Pen & sword for the opportunity to read this wonderful biography prior to its release date
Dan Jones' The crusaders in English & Pierre Aube's Les empires normands d'Orient in French will be a good start in order to appreciate the life of this norman mercenary turned military genius & empire builder. The beginnings of the fabulous Norman Empire of Southern Italy....
Many thanks to Netgalley and Pen & sword for the opportunity to read this wonderful biography prior to its release date
August 14, 2021
Very interesting, very well written
This is another excellent book by Georgios Theotokis. It is of particular interest to me, since Bohemond is the antagonist of my novels An English Revenge, An English King, and An English Succession. Bohemond was a fascinating character, in many ways impossible not to like. That he ultimately failed to achieve his goals, does not detract from his stature.
This is another excellent book by Georgios Theotokis. It is of particular interest to me, since Bohemond is the antagonist of my novels An English Revenge, An English King, and An English Succession. Bohemond was a fascinating character, in many ways impossible not to like. That he ultimately failed to achieve his goals, does not detract from his stature.
January 28, 2023
reasonable
This is a reasonable biography of a man who could have, but in the wasn’t. The machinations of the medieval world are Mind boggling as this story highlights. Overall a reasonable view of his life.
This is a reasonable biography of a man who could have, but in the wasn’t. The machinations of the medieval world are Mind boggling as this story highlights. Overall a reasonable view of his life.
February 16, 2023
Enjoyable and exciting
I really enjoyed learning the history of Bohemund, especially his earlier years fighting alongside his father, Robert Guiscard. Lots of interesting battles, and can never go wrong reading about the Crusades.
I really enjoyed learning the history of Bohemund, especially his earlier years fighting alongside his father, Robert Guiscard. Lots of interesting battles, and can never go wrong reading about the Crusades.
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October 19, 2023Review to come...
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