Hugh of vermandois

He is known primarily for being one of the leaders of the First Crusade. According to Anna Comnena 's chronicle the Alexiad , Hugh sent a message that she called absurd to her father, Byzantine emperor Alexius I Comnenus , demanding a proper welcome:. Know, Emperor, that I am the King of Kings, the greatest of all beneath the heavens. It is fitting that I should be met on my arrival and received with the pomp and ceremony appropriate to my noble birth.

In response to this message the emperor sent instructions to his nephew John Komnenos , the doux governor of Dyrrhachium , and Nicholas Maurokatakalon, commander of the Byzantine fleet , to look out for Hugh and to inform him immediately when he arrived. Meanwhile Hugh had reached the coast of Longobardi and dispatched twenty-four envoys to the Doux of Dyrrhachium with the following message: "Be it known to you, Doux , that our Lord Hugh is almost here.

He brings with him from Rome the golden standard of St Peter. Understand, moreover, that he is supreme commander of the Frankish army. See to it then that he is accorded a reception worthy of his rank and yourself prepare to meet him.

Hugh mongoose giant

His own ship was thrown upon the shore near Epirus. When Hugh was found and brought to Dyrrhachium John Komnenos treated him to a banquet and he was allowed to rest. By order of the emperor Hugh was closely escorted by Manuel Boutoumites.