Peter Bartholomew (b. 1061)

Peter Bartholomew, known in French as Pierre Barthélemy, was a figure of intriguing duality during the First Crusade: a humble French soldier and a profound mystic. His life, ultimately concluding on 20 April 1099, became inextricably linked with one of the Crusade's most pivotal and controversial events. Prior to embarking on this momentous religious and military expedition, Peter served as a retainer, a trusted servant, to William, the Lord of Cunhlat, a detail that offers a glimpse into his modest origins before fate propelled him onto the grand stage of history.

Peter's Role in the First Crusade and the Discovery of the Holy Lance

Peter's participation in the First Crusade placed him squarely within the formidable army led by Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse and Marquis of Provence, also known as Raymond of Saint-Gilles. It was during the arduous siege of Antioch, a critical stronghold on the path to Jerusalem, that Peter Bartholomew rose from obscurity. Amidst the despair and starvation plaguing the crusaders in late 1097 and early 1098, Peter began to report a series of vivid visions. He claimed that Saint Andrew appeared to him, revealing the precise location of the Holy Lance, the very spear believed to have pierced Christ's side on the cross. This relic, a potent symbol of divine favor and military victory, was supposedly buried beneath the floor of the Church of Saint Peter in Antioch.

Driven by these divine revelations, Peter convinced Raymond of Saint-Gilles and other crusader leaders to undertake a search. On 14 June 1098, after days of digging, Peter himself descended into the pit and, to the astonishment and fervent joy of the beleaguered crusaders, emerged triumphantly with a piece of metal, declaring it to be the Holy Lance. The discovery ignited a powerful wave of renewed morale and spiritual zeal within the crusader ranks, transforming their faltering resolve into a fervent belief that God was indeed on their side. This newfound conviction famously spurred them on to a decisive victory against the Muslim relief army led by Kerbogha just days later, an event often attributed in part to the morale boost from the Lance's discovery.

Skepticism, Trial by Ordeal, and Peter's Untimely Death

Despite the immediate impact and the strategic victory that followed, the authenticity of Peter's discovery was not universally accepted. Prominent figures like Bohemond I of Antioch and, most notably, Adhémar of Le Puy, the papal legate and spiritual leader of the Crusade, harbored deep skepticism. Adhémar, who passed away shortly after the discovery, expressed doubts about the relic's genuineness, suggesting it might be a fabrication. This division within the crusader leadership festered, eventually leading to a crisis of faith and authority for Peter Bartholomew.

To definitively prove his claims and silence his detractors, Peter volunteered to undergo an ordeal by fire, a medieval form of divine judgment. On 8 April 1099, in a solemn ceremony watched by thousands of crusaders, Peter walked through a gauntlet of flames. Accounts vary on the immediate outcome; some state he emerged alive but severely burned, while others suggest he was gravely injured. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries twelve days later, dying on 20 April 1099. His death, whether seen as a martyr's end or divine judgment against a fraud, effectively ended the controversy surrounding his specific Lance, although other Holy Lance relics continued to be venerated.

Legacy of a Mystic Soldier

Peter Bartholomew's story remains a powerful testament to the fervent belief systems, intense spiritual fervor, and often brutal realities of the First Crusade. While the specific Lance he found largely faded from official veneration, his episode underscores the psychological and religious dimensions crucial to the crusaders' survival and ultimate, albeit temporary, success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Bartholomew

Who was Peter Bartholomew?
Peter Bartholomew, or Pierre Barthélemy, was a French soldier and mystic during the First Crusade, initially a servant to William, Lord of Cunhlat. He is primarily known for his controversial discovery of the Holy Lance during the Siege of Antioch.
What was his main contribution to the First Crusade?
His primary contribution was claiming to have received visions from Saint Andrew, leading him to discover what he proclaimed to be the Holy Lance in Antioch. This discovery significantly boosted crusader morale, helping them secure a crucial victory against a relief army.
What was the Holy Lance he discovered?
The Holy Lance was believed to be the spear that pierced Jesus Christ's side during the Crucifixion. Peter Bartholomew's discovery of this relic in Antioch was seen by many crusaders as a divine sign, although its authenticity was disputed by some leaders.
How did Peter Bartholomew die?
To prove the authenticity of the Holy Lance and his visions, Peter Bartholomew underwent an ordeal by fire on 8 April 1099. He suffered severe burns during the ordeal and tragically died from his injuries twelve days later, on 20 April 1099.
Was the Holy Lance he found considered authentic?
Its authenticity was highly contested, especially by figures like Adhémar of Le Puy. While it initially provided a powerful morale boost, the doubts surrounding it, combined with Peter's death during the ordeal by fire, ultimately led to it largely being discredited by many within the Church, though some crusaders continued to believe.