ABSTRACT
By the beginning of 1123 Baldwin II’s subjects might reasonably have expected him to return to his own kingdom, but they were to be disappointed. The king had warded off the main threats to the two Latin principalities in the north, and now intended to take the offensive against their enemies. Baldwin based himself at Kesun while he had supplies collected from the surrounding areas, but Balak was well informed about the king’s movements and surmised his intentions. Baldwin set off for Gargar, and after crossing the ancient bridge over the River Sangas, a tributary of the Euphrates, he made camp, unaware of Balak’s proximity. The news of Baldwin’s capture produced alarm in the kingdom of Jerusalem, and its chief men reacted quickly. Galbert’s account offers a startling perspective on the affairs of the kingdom of Jerusalem, but it is entirely plausible.
