RRR: Confirmation/renewal of grants
540
year: 1153
initiator: Rainald of Châtillon, prince of Antioch, and his wife Constance
recipient: Venetians
text: May. 1-31. Rainald [of Châtillon], dei gracia Antiochenorum princeps, together with Constantia eorundem principissa, confirms under seal for Venetians crossing the borders of the principality or remaining in Antioch the consuetudines granted to them by Princes Bohemond I and II, Tancred and Raymond [of Poitiers]. At the request of the doge and Venetian senate, represented by Dominicus Bonus, the levy in Antioch of 5 besants in every 100 on silk and linen cloth and of 7 besants in the 100 on other business will be reduced to 4 and 5 respectively in every 100. The exit duty levied at the gates of Antioch of 1 besant and 8 denarii on every pack horse [somerius] and 2 and a half besants on every camel, will be reduced to 1 and 2 besants respectively. There is to be no interference with the Venetians’ use of weights [carates]. Venetian merchants will not be hindered or disturbed on account of crimes comitted by Venetians at sea or on land. If a Venetian ship is wrecked its owners will suffer no loss and may salvage the ship and everything in it. Rainald grants the Venetians the right to hold a court [curia Sancti Marci] in their funditium in Antioch and to judge their compatriots according to their laws without disturbance. The charter was drawn up by Gaufredus cancellarius principis. Witnesses: Renaldus de Margat; Garentus de Saona; Robertus filius Gaufredi; Galterius de Surda valle; Robertus filius ejus; Archenbaldinus constabularius; Hugo de Bolera; Tancredus Frenelli; Martinus de Margat; Leo Maiopoli dux, Martinus Galnus; Petrus camerarius.
May. 1-31. Rainald [of Châtillon], dei gracia Antiochenorum princeps, together with Constantia eorundem principissa, confirms under seal for Venetians crossing the borders of the principality or remaining in Antioch the consuetudines granted to them by Princes Bohemond I and II, Tancred and Raymond... more
sources: Tafel and Thomas, Urkunden Venedig 1:133-5, no. 55 (RRH no. 282)