ABSTRACT
In confronting the combined Fatimid-Damascene armies Baldwin adopted a strategy which the Franks of Jerusalem would often pursue in subsequent years when confronted by invasions of superior forces. He refused battle, but maintained a defensive position from which he could observe the enemy and obstruct passage to the fertile areas and settlements to his rear. Any medieval king who hoped to rule successfully required the co-operation of the powerful and influential people in his realm: the nobles who acted as governors and military commanders, and the clerics who occupied the bishoprics or administrative positions. The most important government official was the chancellor, who was in charge of the royal archives and was the keeper of the king’s seal. Baldwin must have been aware that Joscelin had been his leading advocate during the debate over the succession, and this support would have warranted an appropriate reward.
