aug 30, 1096 - Franks begin invasion of Syria (490)

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"The reason for their invasion was that their ruler, Baldwin... gathered a great host of Franks and wrote to Roger [conqueror of Sicily] saying, 'I have gathered a great host and I am coming to you'... Roger assembled his men and consulted them about this. They said, 'by the truth of the Gospel, this is excellent for us and them. The lands will become Christian lands.' Roger raised his leg and gave a loud fart. 'by the truth of my religion,' he said, 'there is more use in that than what you have to say!' He [Roger] summoned Baldwin's envoy and said to him, 'If you are determined to wage holy war on the Muslims, then the best way is to conquer Jerusalem. You will free it from their hands and have glory...' (Ibn al-Athir, 13).