The Birth of Crusades

The big problems do not crop up unexpectedly.
They go slowly brewing. 

Almost inadvertent. But as the water stored for mountain snowmelt accumulates until one day explode.
Many have spoken, talk and talk about the "formal" beginning of the Crusades.
In this short text I join the "talking".
In  "An anonymous Greek account of the transfer of the Body of St. Nicholas from Myra in Lycia to Bari in Italy".
Translated by J. McGinley and H. Mursurillo (Bolletino di S, Nicola, N. 10, Studi e testi, Bari: October 1980), 3-17 (http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/basis/nicholas-bari.asp) we read:

"certain citizens of the city of Bari, moved by a divine inspiration"

"to possess and take pride in him as in a great fortune and inseparable treasure"

"that for no other purpose did we disembark here than to take the holy remains of our inspired Father" 

"make off from these parts with all speed, before the townspeople hear of what is going on and put you to death"

"that we have not disembarked here of our own will, but we have been sent by the Pope of Rome and by the Archbishops and Bishops and authorities at Rome associated with him and the whole Council. For all of these arrived in our city of Bari with a large host and the diverse armies of the west, enjoining on us to accomplish this work, and bring back to the Pope the remains of the saint without fail. Why even the saint himself, appearing in a vision to the Pope bade him do this with all haste. And you if you want, accept suitable recompense from us, that we may depart in peace and benevolence"

As you can see were not just sailors of Bari but a true "command" sent by the Pope and the Normans.
Sikelgaita of Salerno, Roger Borsa and Bohemond were the political and religious leaders of this adventure.
Thanks to the Normans today we we greet Santa Claus every year.

Guillermo Compte Cathcart