Roussel de Bailleul

See also: Roussel

Roussel de Bailleul (or Roscelin de Baieul ; of Roskelin ) founder is a Norman adventurer, in the years 1070, of a transitory principality in minor Asia.

Although it is known as “Norman”, it may be that it is in fact a Franc, perhaps originating in Bailleul in the Somme, unless he is not originating in Bailleul in the duchy of Normandy, in the Orne, or of another named city Bailleul in the the Eure, always located in Normandy.

Outlaw of the Norman duchy for a dark business or voluntary exile in the search of wealths of the Mediterranean, at all events, it leaves for the Italy the South to seek fortune. There still, the date of its arrival in Italy is dubious but what is sure it is that Roussel is in Sicily in the years 1060 among the Norman Guerrier S with the service of Roger Bosso, whereas the latter starts the conquest of Sicily, always with the hands of the Moslems. And in 1063, it takes part in the famous battle of Cerami, where the Norman ones are victorious of a Moslem army infinitely more.

Later, for unknown reasons, perhaps in the search of richnesses and glory for its own account, it goes to Byzance with a troop of free-Norman mercenaries and serves the Byzantine Empire; it then makes party of the Byzantine troops mercenaries of Asia Mineure, made up not only of Francs and Norman but also of part of the Guard varangiènne, made up of Varègues (Swedish), of Norwegian but also many Anglo - Danish come from England after Hastings (1066).

In 1071, it takes part in large the Bataille of Manzikert, serving the Byzantine emperor Romain IV Diogène against the Turks: the battle is a disaster for the emperor. Indeed, the defeat is mainly caused by treasons within the mercenaries (compounds also of Turks and other Asian riders) of which Roussel, which gets along secretly with the Turkish enemy. Romain Diogène is thus demolishes and captured while the riders Turkish can break in Anatolia, deprived of defense.

Shortly after this resounding failure for Byzance and benefitting from a civil war in the imperial capital, Roussel de Bailleul gather other mercenaries under authority and ends up revolting against the Byzantine authority, while dreaming to cut an independent principality in minor Asia. With its 3.000 men, it fights Turks as well as Byzantine troops, begins the conquest of the Galatie which it completes in 1073 and “prince” of its possessions with Ankara for center car-proclaims itself. It overcomes shortly after the César Jean Doukas and counter-attacks by threatening Byzance after having plundered, having ransacked and having set fire to the rich person town of Chrysopolis (Üsküdar), located at the doors of the imperial capital (1073). At the same time, it supports a usurper candidate with the empire but it is captured soon by the energetic general and future emperor, Alexis Ier Comnène, which retains it captive (1074). Released after payment of a ransom, it finds its field after its tender but revolts once again and must be submitted once again to the emperor (1076).

After a new revolt, the emperor calls upon the Seldjoukides which fight to him a battle with Nicomédie. Roussel de Bailleul is captured and delivered to the Byzantines who put it at death.

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