c. 1041–1105 · Count of Toulouse and leader of the First Crusade
Raymond of Saint-Gilles
Other names · Raymond IV of Toulouse
One of the oldest and wealthiest leaders of the First Crusade, who began the founding of the County of Tripoli.
BIOGRAPHICAL DOSSIER
Life and historical role
Life and political setting
Raymond was count of Toulouse and lord of extensive territories in southern France. He travelled east at the head of a large Provençal force together with the papal legate Adhemar of Le Puy. His promise to Alexios at Constantinople was formulated differently from the oaths of several other leaders, reflecting both his status and his rivalry with Bohemond.
Role in the Crusades
Raymond played a major part in the sieges of Antioch and Jerusalem but failed to secure permanent rule in either city. After joining the expedition of 1101 he established himself near Tripoli. His campaigns at Arqa and Tripoli laid the foundation for the county that his successors completed after his death.
Biographical information is linked to the sources shown on the page and to the connected event records. Disputed dates are given as approximate, gaps are not filled by conjecture, and later literary or visual depictions are not treated as contemporary portraits.