Jacques de Vitry (c. 1160/70 – 1240) was a French theologian and chronicler who had written an influential history of the Holy Land. Born in central France, he studied at the University of Paris before embarking on his clerical career. In 1211-1213 he preached the Albigensian Crusade, traveled through France and Germany. In 1214 he joined a crusading army and was elected bishop of Acre (Acco, Israel) and spent several years actively involved in the 5th Crusade. in 1219 de Vitry began to write the Historia Hierosolymitana, a history of the Holy Land from the rise of Islam to the Crusades. until the crusades of his own day but his work was interrupted by his return to Europe in 1225. In 1229 he was elevated to the position of cardinal.
De Vitry's Historia Hierosolymitana served as a crucial source of information on the Holy Land and the peoples residing there for many generations of Europeans. His descriptions can be found in virtually all major books written after the publication of Historia Hierosolymitana. This is especially true about his description of the Georgians that served as a standard account for many generations.
There is also in the East another Christian people, who are very warlike, and valiant in battle, being strong in body, and powerful in the countless number of their warriors. They are much dreaded by the Saracens, and have often by their inroads done great damage to the Persians, Medes, and Assyrians, on whose borders they dwell, being entirely surrounded by infidel nations.
These men are called Georgians, because they especially revere and worship St. George, whom they make their patron and standard-bearer in their fights with the infidels, and honour him above all other saints. They read the Scriptures in Greek, and administer the Sacraments after the Greek fashion. Their clergy have round tonsures, and their laity square ones.
Whenever they come on pilgrimage to the Lord's sepulchre, they march into the Holy City [Jerusalem] with banners displayed, without paying tribute to anyone; for the Saracens in no wise dare to molest them, lest on their return to their own country they should revenge themselves on other Saracens their neighbours. Their noblewomen, like the Amazons, bear arms in battle like knights. The Georgians were very indignant, and threatened Corradinus, Prince of Damascus, because he presumed to throw down the walls of Jerusalem against their will, when the Latins were besieging Damietta. They wear their hair and beards about a cubit long, and have hats on their heads.
These men are called Georgians, because they especially revere and worship St. George, whom they make their patron and standard-bearer in their fights with the infidels, and honour him above all other saints. They read the Scriptures in Greek, and administer the Sacraments after the Greek fashion. Their clergy have round tonsures, and their laity square ones.
Whenever they come on pilgrimage to the Lord's sepulchre, they march into the Holy City [Jerusalem] with banners displayed, without paying tribute to anyone; for the Saracens in no wise dare to molest them, lest on their return to their own country they should revenge themselves on other Saracens their neighbours. Their noblewomen, like the Amazons, bear arms in battle like knights. The Georgians were very indignant, and threatened Corradinus, Prince of Damascus, because he presumed to throw down the walls of Jerusalem against their will, when the Latins were besieging Damietta. They wear their hair and beards about a cubit long, and have hats on their heads.
