year: 1232
initiator: Henry, rex Cipri
recipient: Commune of Genoa
text: Jun. 10, Famagusta. With the agreement of his liegemen [homines ligii] in full court and appreciative of the assistance given to him by the Genoese, Henry, Dei gratia rex Cypri, records under seal that he gives the commune of Genoa, represented by Ingo Ferrarius and Guillelmus de Orto, consules et vicecomites Ianuensium in Syria, the right to have a court, consulate and viscounty in the kingdom of Cyprus, with full jurisdiction over Genoese according to their customs, except in the cases of treason, homicide and rape [raptus]. He gives the Genoese the right to trade throughout the kingdom of Cyprus, coming going and sailing without the payment of dues [tholoneum seu vectigal, drictura, dacita], except that for anything assessed by weight they should pay the servants of the crown 1 denarius for every 10 modii of wine, wheat, barley, vegetables and 1 denarius for every 1 quintarium of other things. He gives a casale called Dispoire in the territory of Limassol with all its male and female rustici. He gives houses in Nicosia that had belonged to Silvester, adjoining the public way and public watecourse [flumen publicum], behind which are on one side the field of Raimundus de Furno and on the other the house of Bertramus de Vitri, where the consules and vicecomites of the Genoese are temporarily residing. He gives a bath house in Nicosia, before the houses that belonged to the late Revaildine Seissons. He gives the houses in Limassol that once belonged to Uguytius de Calcinaria with a tower on the sea shore, separated from the houses by a public way; they adjoin the public way and a prison [domus convitii]. He gives houses in Famagusta that once beonged to Reinaldus Anconitanus, situated between the public way and the sea, with on one side a road going to the sea and on the other houses. He gives houses in Paphos, in the place called Carine. In each of these locations the consules may construct an oven for the use of the Genoese. He promises security to the Genoese, who will owe no servitium. Witnesses: Ioannes de Ybelino dominus B[er]itensis; Iohannes, dominus Cesariensis; Iohannes de Ybelino iunior; Ansaldus de Biya; Iohannes de Antiochia; Guillelmus vicecomes; Iohannes Delmort; Balduinus de Morf; Poncardus; Guillelmus Reimundi; Bertrandus de Balma; Paulus Philipus Lebel; Reimundus de Furno; Guilielmus de Mongisard. The charter was drawn up by Bonivasallus de Aldo regni Cypri cancellarius.
Jun. 10, Famagusta. With the agreement of his liegemen [homines ligii] in full court and appreciative of the assistance given to him by the Genoese, Henry, Dei gratia rex Cypri, records under seal that he gives the commune of Genoa, represented by Ingo Ferrarius and Guillelmus de Orto, consules et... more
sources: Rovere and Puncuh, Liber Iurium 1/2:179-83, no. 351 (RRH no. 1037)
RRR: Privilege/exemption
2209
year: 1233
initiator: Knights Templar and the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem
recipient: Citizens of Marseille
institution: Templars
additional institution: Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem
text: Oct. 3. Acre. In the palacium of dominus Odo conestabulus et bajulus. The record of an agreement reached in the presence of dominus Odo de Montebeliardo, conestabulus regni Hierosolimitani et bajulus ejusdem regni pro domino imperatore between on one side the Knights Templar and the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem and on the other the citizens of Marseille. The lords and viscounts of Marseille - Roncelinus, Hugo, Raimundus de Baucio and Geraldus Ademarii de Montilio and their wives - and Raimundus Gaufridus de Tritis, had granted the Orders the rights to have ships [naves et ligna] in the port of Marseille and to sail to wherever they wish carrying pilgrims and merchants, but the magistri of the Orders complained of extortions and wanted the ships and goods of Marseille [in Acre] to be confiscated until they were repaid an estimated 2000 marchae argenti. Johannes de S. Hylario consul Massiliensium in Accon argued that he had no power to reply to the charges and he appealed for justice from the conestabulus and his court. The magistri of the Orders and the representatives of Marseille, dominus Rostagnus de Podio Alto and dominus Guittelminus de Caranzon, come to an agreement through the mediation of the dominus conestabulus, dominus Johannes de Ybelino dominus Beriti and other prudhommes [proceres]. Rostagnus and Guittelminus, having plenary authority granted in Marseille, allow the Orders the right have 1 ship [navis] each, making use of the port of Marseille twice a year, in the August passage and the Easter or March passage. Each of the two ships can carry up to 1500 pilgrims or merchants. The Orders can make use of additional ships for their own needs, but these cannot carry pilgrims or merchants. The magistri promise not to embark pilgrims or merchants in the ports from Collioure to Monaco. Frater Hermannus de Peragors magister domus militie Templi, frater Gerinus magister domus Hospitalis sancti Johannis, Rostagnus and Guittelminus attach their seals, as does Odo de Montebiliardo. Witnesses: Odo de Montebiliardo conestabulus regni Iherosolimitani et bajulus regni pro domino imperatore; dominus Johannes de Ybelino dominus Beryti; dominus Johannes dominus Cesarie; dominus Gauterius de Flori miles; dominus Anricus de Nazareno miles; dominus Manabeus miles; of the Knights Templar, frater Balduinus de Beuraje; frater Renaldus Alamannus; frater Jacobus del Bois commendator domus Templi Acconensis; frater Geraldus de Jussac; frater Guilelmus Arnaldi; of the brothers of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, frater Arnaldus de Montbrun marescalcus Hospitalis sancti Johannis; frater Guillelmus de Monte Acuto draperius; frater Rogerius Hispanus; frater Guillelmus de Castronovo; frater Nivelo; frater Rainerius Alamannus. The charter was written, at the request of both sides, by Petrus de Servaria publicus notarius.
Oct. 3. Acre. In the palacium of dominus Odo conestabulus et bajulus. The record of an agreement reached in the presence of dominus Odo de Montebeliardo, conestabulus regni Hierosolimitani et bajulus ejusdem regni pro domino imperatore between on one side the Knights Templar and the Hospital of St... more
sources: Delaville Le Roulx, Cart Hosp 2:462-4, no. 2067; Mayer, UKJ 3:1363-6, no. 785 (RRH no. 1046)
year: 1234
initiator: R. dominus caphe
recipient: Genoese
text: Jan. 12. Haifa. In aula domini R. With the consent of his liegemen [homines ligii] in court, R. dominus caphe makes a sealed grant to the Genoese, represented by petrus de mari and picamilius, ianuensium in syria consules et vicecomites. He gives freedom to trade in Haifa and its dependencies, to come and go by land or sea, to buy, sell and exchange without the payment of dues [teloneum, vectigal., drictura, dacita] or service. They have protection if shipwrecked. Witnesses: balduinus de montegisardo; daniel de Molenbech iunior; guillielmus carcail; rainaldus iuuenis; matheus vicecomes caphe; ugo dauzurre; thomas de guino; conradus porcellus; symon panzanus; iacobus de leuanto; guillielmus henrici drapperii; magister Stephanus notarius. Petrus petri rufi notarius wrote the charter on the orders of dominus R.
Jan. 12. Haifa. In aula domini R. With the consent of his liegemen [homines ligii] in court, R. dominus caphe makes a sealed grant to the Genoese, represented by petrus de mari and picamilius, ianuensium in syria consules et vicecomites. He gives freedom to trade in Haifa and its dependencies, to... more
sources: Ricotti, Liber iurium 1:941-2, no. 718 (RRH no. 1050)
RRR: Confirmation/renewal of grants
2267
year: 1236
initiator: Henry, rex Cipri
recipient: Commune of Marseille
text: Mar. 1-31. Nicosia. At the request of Geraut Oliuer consele des Marsseiles en Accre and Reymond de Conches, who, representing the commune of Marseilles, the people of Montpellier and other Provençaux, came into his presence and that of his court, Henry, par la grace de deu Roi de Chypre, confirms for these merchants that they need pay dues of only 4 per cent on merchandise they bring from Europe [outremer] and sell, and that they can take out any goods they do not sell without payment of dues. They should pay the full tax on goods they buy in Cyprus. Should they bring merchandise from Konya [la terre de sultan de Come] or from lands on this side of the sea, they should only pay 4 per cent on goods they sell in Cyprus. If they take out goods they have not sold, they should pay 1 besant for each quintar of alum, 2 besants on each quintar of wool [laine], 1 per cent [356] on timber [?boquines], half a besant on each rote of silk and 1 per cent on rolls [draps] of silk and all other merchandise. The tax will be payable once on each voyage and will be taken at the point of disembarkment. All persons covered by this privilege will swear to maintain the security of the crown and to pay their dues; otherwise they will be charged the full rates of taxation. Guarantors: Balian de Ybelin seignor de Barut et conestable de Chypre; Johan de Ybelin; Baudoin de Ybelin; Hue de Ybelin; Arneis de Gibelet; Baudoin dou Morf ; Philippe de Nou[aire]. The charter was drawn up by Bonvassal d’Aude chancelier dou reaume de Chypre.
Mar. 1-31. Nicosia. At the request of Geraut Oliuer consele des Marsseiles en Accre and Reymond de Conches, who, representing the commune of Marseilles, the people of Montpellier and other Provençaux, came into his presence and that of his court, Henry, par la grace de deu Roi de Chypre, confirms... more
sources: Mayer, Marseilles Levantehandel, pp. 193-5, no. 10 (RRH no. 1071)
RRR: Confirmation/renewal of grants
2306
year: 1237
initiator: Pope Gregory IX
recipient: Magister and brothers of the Knights Templar
institution: Templars
text: [Dec. 3. Lateran. Pope Gregory IX assures the magister and brothers of the Knights Templar of their exemption from tithes on wool, milk, eggs and lambs.
[Dec. 3. Lateran. Pope Gregory IX assures the magister and brothers of the Knights Templar of their exemption from tithes on wool, milk, eggs and lambs.
sources: Gregory IX, Les Registres 2:817, no. 3963. Calendar entry
year: 1243
initiator: Bohemond V, prince of Antioch and count of Tripoli
recipient: Commune of Montpellier
text: Feb. 1-28. Tripoli. In the count’s palais. In response to the request of the commune of Montpellier, represented by sire Raimont Conte and sire Guillaume Berenger, and appreciative of the renown of the commune and the profit for his land, Bohemond, par la grace de Deu princes dAntioche et cuens de Triple, son of Bohemond, prince-count of Antioch-Tripoli, grants under seal the following rights. The men of Montpellier will pay one third of the dues [dreiture] on everything they sell and buy in the city of Tripoli, except for the dreiture de la tonie, which they will pay entirely. They will pay a third of passage on all goods they bring to the port of Tripoli by sea, whether from a Muslim or Christian source. They will pay one third of the nol with respect to their ships, which they load with goods for export, but they will pay the whole tax on goods brought to Tripoli by land. They are granted a street [rue] in Tripoli, where their consele will have his hostel. Cases on movables or debts arising between the men of Montpellier and those of Genoa and Pisa will be decided by Montpellier’s consele de Tripoli, but excepted from this are disputes involving the funde of Tripoli. The men of Montpellier and their goods are promised security. If any man of Montpellier resident in Tripoli is arrested in a land with which the count has good relations [j’aye pais ou treve] his return will be requested, just as if he was the count’s subject. These privileges are dependent on Montpellier sending to Tripoli each year for ten years a ship [nef] containing no fewer than 40 mariners or more and at least 800 kintaus of goods. The conseles who within these ten years are appointed by Montpellier and all citizens coming to Tripoli will swear to preserve of the count’s rights and will ensure that the privilege applies only to men of Montpellier. Guarantors: Tomas de Ham conestable de Triple; Johan mareschau de Triple; Amauri Saraman; Johan de Farabes; Nicolos Farmac. The charter was drawn up by Johan chancelier de Triple.
Feb. 1-28. Tripoli. In the count’s palais. In response to the request of the commune of Montpellier, represented by sire Raimont Conte and sire Guillaume Berenger, and appreciative of the renown of the commune and the profit for his land, Bohemond, par la grace de Deu princes dAntioche et cuens de... more
sources: Germain, Histoire 2:513-15, no. 43 (RRH no. 1110)
RRR: Eleemosynary grant
2437
year: 1243
initiator: Marsilius Georgius [Marsilio Zorzi] bajulus in Syria Venetorum
text:
sources: Marsilio Zorzi, pp. 101, 135-71 (RRH no. 1114)
RRR: Privilege/exemption
2463
year: 1244
initiator: Marsilius Georgius [Marsilio Zorzi] bajulus in Syria Venetorum
text: Before Aug. [373] Acre. Marsilius Ieorgius [Marsilius Zorzi], baiulus in Syria, lists Venetian properties [other than in or near Tyre], especially those in Acre. (I). He lists in the city of Acre. (1) In ruga furni: a stacio next to the house of Pandulfus, which returns each year in rent 24 besants; another stacio next door, returning 25 besants; 2 houses on the second level [in solario], returning respectively 20 and 42 besants; 2 small houses, one being next to the oven, returning respectively 7 and 10 besants; an oven, returning 150 besants. (2) Below the palatium in which the baiulus resides: 1 tabula at the head of the palacium, returning 13 besants; 5 habitationes in the solarium medium at the head of the palacium, 4 of which return 18 besants and one 17 and a half besants; a habitatio which is now vacant but which when occupied returns 16 besants; 6 staciones below the palacium, one of which returns 160 besants, 4 return 180 besants, and one returns 154 besants. (3) Between the palacium and the church of St Mark: 4 stationes, returning respectively, 184, 121, 100 and 115 besants, and a house on the way to the curia of the baiulus, which is only rented to merchants who come from Venice. When a garavana is in Acre, it is rented for 12 besants a month. (4) The tabulae or bancae situated around the logia. The first, which is next to the church door in the direction of the house where the baiulus resides, returns 25 besants and 18 karacta. The second, which is small, returns 12 besants. Of the other 6, 3 return 25 besants and 3 return respectively 18, 34 and 41 besants. (5) Below the great palatium of the fonticum, overlooking the road and square [campus], 16 stationes, of which one is situated towards the logia, another is called the statio de la Cocorda and a third is vacant. Of the 15 occupied stationes, 2 return 61 besants, 2 return 50 besants, 2 return 45 besants, one returns 35, one returns 33, one returns 60, one returns 55, one returns 45, and 4 return 40. (6) Within and below the great palacium of the fonticum. A statio, next to the logia, which is reserved for the use of the baiulus and his goods. A second statio, which is large, returns 7 besants a month when there is a garavana at Acre. A small camera in which resides Iohannes Gastaldio plazarius comunis; this is under another camera, where the plebanus lives and is treated as part of his stipend, which also consists of 36 besants and a suit of clothes each Christmas; 13 other camerae, one of which is small: 11 of these each return 3 besants a month and one 14 besants a year. A closed street within the fonticum which returns 3 besants a month. (7) On the first floor [in solario de medio] of the great palacium of the fonticum. 11 houses, 9 of which are leased on monthly terms when the caravana comes to Acre: 4 for 6 besants a month, one for 8, one for 10, one for 13, one for 14, one for 15. Of the two houses not rented, one [already mentioned] is shared by the plebanus and by Iohannes Gastaldus; the other - a small one - is the residence of one of the priests. (8) On the first floor of the upper part of the palacium, towards [the church of] St Demetrius. 4 houses, which are rented when the caravana comes to Acre, one for 4 besants a month and 3 for 5; and 6 camerae - 2 large and 4 small - the large being rented for 5 besants a month and the small for 3. 5 habitationes and 1 camera, used a stable when the caravana comes, next to St Demetrius. 4 of these, one being next to a cistern and another above the stable, are rented for 8, 12, 16 and 30 besants a year. The fifth is rented pro caravana at 8 besants [presumably at a monthly rate]. (9) A house in the fonticum, containing 11 camerae on lower and upper floors. It belongs to domina Pavia, whose ancestors have held it from the commune of Venice for a long time. She pays an annual rent to [the church of] St Mark of 7 besants. (10) A house in the fonticum and near the church containing the following: 2 habitationes, one being next to the stairs of the great palacium, returning respectively 9 and 22 besants a year; 2 camerae, used to store wood, lime and stone; a house, occupied by Buraffas plazarius, as part of his stipend, which also includes 36 besants and a suit of clothes presented every Christmas; 5 other habitationes, large and small, one being on the sea next to the tower and another by the stairs of the great palacium. 2 return 36 besants a year; the others 7, 12 and 16 besants respectively. (11) A tower next to the church and by the sea, containing a habitatio above and a camera below, rented respectively for 14 and 7 besants a month when the caravana comes; and in the basement [volta] there is a prison. (12) A house belonging to the commune on the other side of the road from the great palatium of the fonticum, bounded on the west by alms-houses [domus de helimosina]. It contains 3 stationes, one being rented for 20 besants a year and 2 for 43 besants, together with a habitatio above, which is rented for 20 besants. (13) A house recovered by the commune and shared with Pandulfus, out of which has been created 2 stationes, each returning 55 besants, and a habitatio above, returning 38 besants. (14) A house of the commune of Venice, overlooking its square [campus], in which are 2 stationes, each returning 70 besants, with 3 habitationes above, returning 20, 22 and 24 besants respectively. A machomaria, converted into sections and rented for 60 and c.36 besants. A house, bounded on the north by the house of Petrus Vasannus, with a statio below, rented for 30 besants, and 2 habitationes above, rented for 16 and 36 besants. A house, bought for the commune by Marsilius Ieorgius himself for 1200 besants, which is opposite the logia of the church of St Mark. It is shared with Balduinus de la Tregla and Nicolaos de Misina, the son of the late Leonardus Villanus. It contains a large statio and a small statio, with a habitatio above. The commune’s half share of the rents comes to 40, 30 and 12 besants respectively. There are 3 bance below the house. The half share of the rents returns in 2 cases 4 [374] besants and in one 8 besants. (II). Marsilius lists infringements of the Venetians’ rights by the crown and its representatives in the kingdom of Jerusalem. (1) The crown demands the tax of terciaria from all Venetians who transport any people in their ships or vessels, when according to their privileges they should only be charged on pilgrims departing from the country. The government refuses to give the compensation agreed of 300 besants from the fonticum of Tyre. On the other hand, during the time Marsilius has held office, no Venetian has paid terciaria. (2) If any Venetian goes to Damascus or any Muslim land and buys merchandise, he has to pay in sales-tax in Acre of 8.33 [8 besants and 8 karacta] per cent and an exit tax of 4.16 [4 besants and 4 karacta] per cent should he wish to export to Venice, although he can resort to bribing an official [paciscatur cum illo, qui est super hoc pro rege]. (3) If any vessel sailing from Venice unloads in Tyre or any other city, and the merchants wish to transport their goods [merces] overland to Acre, they must pay 9.33 per cent [9 besants and a third]. (4) If any Venetian merchant should go to Damascus or any Muslim city and wishes to carry merchandise with him out of Acre, he must pay 1 karactum for every besant of the estimated worth of the merchandise. (5) The sale of slaves and horses brought into Acre attract a tax of 1 besant each. This has always been resisted by the Venetians, sometimes successfully. (III). Marsilius draws attention to the Venetian claims to a church and street [ruga] in Jerusalem and all the cities of the kingdom. He refers particularly to Ascalon, of which Venice claims a third. In that territory there are 72 casalia, with at least 200 families residing.
Before Aug. [373] Acre. Marsilius Ieorgius [Marsilius Zorzi], baiulus in Syria, lists Venetian properties [other than in or near Tyre], especially those in Acre. (I). He lists in the city of Acre. (1) In ruga furni: a stacio next to the house of Pandulfus, which returns each year in rent 24 besants... more
sources: Marsilio Zorzi, pp. 172-81 (RRH no. 1116)