1947

May 1-31. In the presence of dominus Hugo Ferrarius and dominus Hugo Fornarius, [Genoese] consules in terra Syria, Iohannes de Ibelino Beriti dominus modifies under seal the grant he had previously made to the Genoese [Nov. 1-30 1221]. He confirms their freedom from the payment of dues [ius et consuetudo] on all goods they import and export to and from Beirut, although he limits this to those brought and taken out by sea. He now excludes all pottery [excepto omni opere porterie], wine and oil, which will now be subject to measuring and will be charged either at 1 denarius for every 5 iarri Beritenses, or, if the mensurator ville is involved, at 2 denarii for every 5 iarri, and wheat [bladum], which will be charged at 1 denarius for every 2 modii. He confirms the freedom for Genoese ships [vasella], great and small, from the payment of terciaria and ancoragia. He confirms the right of the Genoese to have a free court [curia libera] in Beirut, with the same rights as those enjoyed by their courts in Acre, Tyre and the kingdom of Jerusalem. He confirms their possession of houses that had belonged to Rubaldus Corvus, adding that the Genoese may improve them, and their use of the bath house before the castle of Beirut on Thursday every week. He gives the right to an oven. He repeats that the Genoese in general will not suffer if one of their compatriots commits an act of piracy against Iohannes or his homines and that the goods on Genoese ships wrecked on the coast of the lordship of Beirut will be secure. Witnesses: Reinaldus de Mimars; Symon Iopensis; Bartholomeus falconarius; Thome de Retel; Clemens de Gibelin; Baldoinus de Gibelin; Hugo de Maçarea; Henricus Lepingre; Galterius Haldel; Guillelmus Harneis; Matheus de Nephyn; Symon Grimaud; Guillelmus de Malembec; Girardus Liece.