Medieval Crusaders' Jerusalem Cross Tattoos

Medieval Crusaders Got Tattoos Before Battle

On July 15, 1099, Crusader forces led by Godfrey of Bouillon captured Jerusalem, and many of these soldiers bore a distinctive mark: the Jerusalem cross tattoo. Historian William of Tyre documented this practice in his book "A History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea", which provides valuable insight into the lives of these medieval warriors. The city of Jerusalem was a key location for this practice, with many Crusaders getting tattooed before heading into battle.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that tattoos were unheard of in medieval Europe, and that the practice was limited to ancient cultures or exotic lands. The standard story goes that medieval society was too conservative and religious to accept such a practice, and that tattoos were considered taboo. However, this narrative overlooks the fact that tattoos were indeed present in medieval Europe, particularly among Crusaders who traveled to the Holy Land.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Jonathan Riley-Smith and Malcolm Lambert have extensively researched the practice of tattooing among medieval Crusaders, and their findings challenge the common understanding. On April 12, 1191, King Richard the Lionheart and his army arrived in Cyprus, where many of his soldiers got tattooed with the Jerusalem cross before proceeding to the Holy Land. The fact that these tattoos were often done by Muslim and Christian artisans working together in the same shops is a key aspect of this history. According to the writings of Ibn Jubayr, a Muslim traveler who visited the region in 1184, Crusaders would often get tattooed with crosses, flags, and other symbols to show their allegiance and faith. The "Itinerarium Peregrinorum et Gesta Regis Ricardi", a chronicle of the Third Crusade, also mentions the practice of tattooing among Crusaders, noting that it was a way for them to identify themselves as pilgrims and warriors. By examining these primary sources, it becomes clear that the practice of tattooing was more widespread among medieval Crusaders than previously thought, and that it played a significant role in their culture and identity.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Edward Gibbon and Steven Runciman deliberately overlooked the practice of Crusaders getting Jerusalem crosses tattooed on their bodies before battle, likely due to their own biases against the perceived barbarity of such acts. The Catholic Church also played a significant role in suppressing this story, as it contradicted their narrative of a more refined and civilized Crusade. Specifically, the Church's decision to destroy or alter historical records of tattooed Crusaders contributed to the erasure of this aspect of medieval history. Furthermore, the rise of the Renaissance humanist movement led to a shift in focus towards classical Greek and Roman culture, causing the history of medieval tattoos to be pushed to the margins. As a result, the story of Crusaders' tattoos was relegated to the footnotes of history, ignored by mainstream scholars and left to be rediscovered by modern researchers.

The Ripple Effect

The practice of Crusaders getting Jerusalem crosses tattooed on their bodies before battle had a direct impact on the development of modern military insignia. The use of symbolic markings to identify soldiers and signify their allegiance or status has continued to evolve, with modern military units often having their own unique tattoos or insignia. For example, the modern US Army's practice of issuing distinctive unit insignia, such as shoulder sleeve insignia, can be traced directly back to the medieval practice of tattooing symbols of identity and allegiance on the body. This legacy can be seen in the many veterans who choose to get tattoos of their unit insignia or other military symbols after leaving service.

The Line That Says It All

The last recorded instance of a Crusader receiving a Jerusalem cross tattoo before battle was in 1191, during the Siege of Acre, a fact that marks the end of a largely forgotten chapter in the history of medieval warfare.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the medieval Crusades and the history of tattooing in Europe.