The role of Genoa in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem: political and diplomatic struggles between 1250 and 1291 Olivier Berrou Supervised by Professor Jonathan Phillips A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Royal Holloway, University of London 2017 1 Abstract This thesis is an analysis of the role of Genoa in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem across the last forty years of its existence. Looking at numerous primary sources, as well as a variety of secondary works from different disciplines, it seeks to establish the importance of the Genoese in the Levant as well as their responsibilities with regards to the fall of Acre in 1291. It argues that the Genoese were involved economically but also socially and politically in the kingdom throughout its existence and that they attempted to retain a major presence via diplomacy with other major powers when necessary. This thesis seeks to bridge the gap in the historiography of the kingdom with regards to the smaller parties, such as the Italian mercantile cities. It focuses primarily on Genoa due to the sheer volume of documentation available but will also look at Venice and Pisa for comparison when appropriate. The first chapter looks at the events surround the Seventh Crusade, in particular the contract signed between Louis IX and Genoa in 1246 for the transport of the army. It also suggests the existence of a close relationship between the commune of Genoa and the crown of France. The second chapter discusses the War of Saint-Sabas and its impact on Acre, and on the Genoese. Multiple archaeological sources are used in order to provide a clear geographical layout of the conflict. Chapter three analyses the relationship of Charles and Genoa, linking it to the first chapter. It also outlines the diplomatic efforts of the Genoese in the Levant. The final chapter examines the treaties between Mamluks and Latins, particularly the Genoese. It focuses on their treaty of 1290 in order to outline Genoa’s attempts to survive. 2 The role of Genoa in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem: political and diplomatic struggles between 1250 and 1291 ........................................................................... 1 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ 5 Abbreviations: ....................................................................................................... 7 Introduction: ......................................................................................................... 8 Historiography ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Sources .................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Chapter Outlines ............................................................................................................................................... 12 Historical background ......................................................................................... 22 Genoa in the thirteenth century ................................................................................................................... 22 Trade in the Eastern Mediterranean ......................................................................................................... 30 Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................. 37 Louis IX in the Holy Land and the Italian Dilemma: Profit and Duty ............... 37 The Role of the Italians in the Holy Land During the Seventh Crusade ........................................ 38 The Contract between Louis and Genoa .................................................................................................... 39 Content of the Contract .................................................................................................................................. 41 The relationship between France and Genoa ........................................................................................ 45 The role and responsibilities of the Italians in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem ........................ 48 Relations between Italians and Louis ......................................................................................................... 54 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................... 56 Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................. 57 The War of Saint-Sabas and its consequences on the stability of the Holy Land 57 The location of the Mercantile Cities’ Quarter ....................................................................................... 64 The location of the building of Saint-Sabas ............................................................................................. 72 Why was the building so important? .......................................................................................................... 80 The Nature of the conflict .............................................................................................................................. 80 Why this building? ............................................................................................................................................ 84 The involvement of others in the conflict: ................................................................................................ 88 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................... 93 Chapter 3 ............................................................................................................. 96 Genoa and Charles of Anjou. .............................................................................. 96 Introduction: ........................................................................................................................................................ 96 Charles: his policies, attitudes, and deeds towards the Holy Land ................................................... 99 The Italians and Charles ................................................................................................................................ 109 Trade, contracts and the merchant in the thirteenth century: ...................................................... 111 Italian expansion in Acre: ............................................................................................................................. 117 The Grimaldi: .................................................................................................................................................. 118 The Italians in Acre: ..................................................................................................................................... 124 Conclusion: ........................................................................................................................................................ 126 Chapter 4 ........................................................................................................... 129 1282-1291: a historical black hole, or a diplomatic struggle for survival? ........ 129 The crusader kingdom of Jerusalem without crusades ....................................................................... 132 Genoa, Tyre and Tripoli .............................................................................................................................. 134 3 The treaties of the Mamluk Era .................................................................................................................. 141 Treaties of Baybars ....................................................................................................................................... 142 Treaties of Qalawun ...................................................................................................................................... 145 Treaty with Genoa ......................................................................................................................................... 149 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................... 158 The fall of Acre and its aftermath ..................................................................... 160 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 165 Appendix ........................................................................................................... 169 Maps .................................................................................................................................................................... 169 Contract between Louis IX and Genoa (1246) ...................................................................................... 176 Table of Alliances and Wars: in the West versus in the East ........................................................... 182 Bibliography ...................................................................................................... 185 4 Acknowledgements In writing this PhD