The Tower of Tancred: A Crusader's Legacy in Stone
In the northwest corner of Jerusalem’s Old City lies a historical site steeped in the rich history of the Crusader period: Tancred’s Tower. Named after the courageous leader of the First Crusade, Tancred. Another name for the tower is “Goliath’s Tower.” Legend has it that King David buried Goliath’s head in this location.
Tancred Tower's Location
Tancred’s Tower was situated at the northwest corner of Jerusalem’s Old City. Today, the area housing the original structure is largely beneath the Collège des Frères of the De La Salle Brothers. The remnants of the tower can be found in the external base of the city wall where the sections coming from the New Gate to the northeast meet those coming from the Jaffa Gate to the southeast
Who was Tancred
Tancred was a prominent leader during the First Crusade, later becoming the Prince of Galilee and regent of the Principality of Antioch. During the siege of Jerusalem in 1099, Tancred played a pivotal role, with his troops breaching the Fatimid defenses at the specific point where the tower stands. This event marked the tower with his name, symbolizing his courage and leadership during the Crusade
The Historical Context of Tancred's Tower
The tower, initially built probably in the 11th century during the Fatimid period, witnessed several historical events including expansions and destructions. It was notably expanded by the Ayyubids after Saladin’s reconquest of the city in 1187 but later faced destruction, possibly in 1219. The tower’s history is intertwined with significant events, including housing the crusading military order of Saint Lazarus around 1130 [[1†source1]].
Archaeological Evidence
In the early 1970s, archaeologists Dan Bahat and Menashe Ben-Ari undertook excavations to unearth the secrets of Tancred’s Tower. The findings from this excavation revealed the tower’s substantial footprint, measuring approximately 35×35 meters, and protruding about 3 meters from underneath the 16th-century Ottoman city wall. The tower was distinct, separated from the city wall on its north and west sides by a street, which gives insight into the architectural planning of that period.
Despite these significant findings, the archaeological exploration of Tancred’s Tower seems to be somewhat limited, with most of the available information focusing on its structure and location.
Nearby Sites
- Jaffa Gate: Locate in the eastern wall. Jaffa Gate is one of the eight gates in Jerusalem’s Old City walls.
- New Gate: The newest gate in the city’s walls, providing access to the Christian Quarter.
- Damascus Gate: A grand entrance leading to the Muslim Quarter. Known for its impressive architecture and bustling market area.
- The Garden Tomb: A rock-cut tomb considered by some as the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection.
- The Mamilla Reservoir: An ancient water reservoir, showcasing the advanced water system of the historical city
