Was Richard of the Principate Regent of Edessa in 1104–1108?
Was Richard of the Principate Regent of Edessa in 1104–1108?

Summary/Abstract: This article reconsiders a commonly held view in Crusades historiography, namely the identification of Richard, regent of Edessa in 1104–1108 and prefectus of Marash after 1108, with Richard of the Principate (of Salerno), participant of the First Crusade and close retainer of Bohemond of Taranto. The author shows that there are no facts that would justify such a conclusion, as Richard of the Principate was in Europe since 1103 and could not be a regent of Edessa. Although our sources do not allow us to accurately identify the person of Richard, regent of Edessa, the latter seems to be a man of lower rank than Richard of the Principate and one of retainers of Tancred, not of Bohemond.

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