O City of Byzantium...

[fajrdrako]

I was reading O City of Byzantium by Niketas Choniates this evening - his annals of the city in the late 12th century. To my surprise, when I first opened it at random, the book opened to the page where Choniates first introduces Conrad of Montferrat in 1171. Just the page I most wanted to go to.

I love history. I love those people of the 12th century, coming real on the page as I read. I love Niketas Choniates for writing this book. I love his introduction:

Historical narratives, indeed, have been invented for the common benefit of mankind, since those who will are able to gather from many of these the most advantageous insights. In recording ancient events and customs, the narratives elucidate human nature and expose men of noble sentiments, whose who nourish a natural love for the good, to varied experiences.

Comments

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

But did he not want it because he was being sensible about his limitations, or simply because he was scared? He had initially agreed to support his wife's claim in '86 - then ran off to swear allegiance to Guy and Sibylla. He didn't say no firmly from the start. And when challenged about the legality of his marriage by Guy of Senlis (whom it was no disparagement to fight - Guy of Senlis was probably picked as champion because he was of similar rank of family), he refused to pick up the glove.

A long and happy reign for my boy is what I would have liked to see...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

did he not want it because he was being sensible about his limitations, or simply because he was scared?

It's hard to read his mind from this point, and the two things are not mutually exclusive. It was, perhaps, sensible to be scared.

He had initially agreed to support his wife's claim in '86

I'm not sure how sincere that was, or how much choice he was given - a young teenager with strong-willed parents trying to manipulate his future to a crown.

when challenged about the legality of his marriage by Guy of Senlis ... he refused to pick up the glove.

Humphrey was not a fighter. The kingdom needed a man who could fight as king.

A long and happy reign for my boy is what I would have liked to see...

Would have been better for everyone... Except maybe Saladin.

[wanderinunicorn.livejournal.com]

Humphrey didn't want to split the kingdom like others did, so he swor allegiance to Guy. I consiser it a very clear sign for his maturity and a good will.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's the way I see it. Humphrey might have had any number of reasons for claiming the crown - personal wealth, pleasing his family, or doing the expected thing - but instead he threw his weight behing Guy and I think that was a considered choice for the good of the kingdom.