We’re on a Mission from God: A Translation, Commentary, and Essay Concerning The Hierosolymita by Ekkehard of Aura

Abstract

This project is a translation, essay, and commentary about the Hierosolymita by Ekkehard of Aura. Written in the early 12th century, the Hierosolymita is a First Crusade chronicle that has been largely ignored by historians. The translation portion of my thesis provides an entire Latin to English translation of the Hierosolymita, a text that has never been professionally published in its entirety. The commentary analyzes Ekkehard's thematic tendencies and contextualizes the Hierosolymita by comparing its narrative to other crusading chronicles. The essay component explores Ekkehard's place in crusading thought and historiography. I discuss how this chronicle can be seen as Ekkehard's attempt to reconcile his belief that crusading is a God-ordained enterprise with the failure of the Crusade of 1101. I also explain how Ekkehard's critique of the Crusade of 1101 and glorification of the First Crusade allow the Hierosolymita to be read as a manual for proper crusading.