Four Eyes and ten Ears: Ramon Muntaner, Captain of Djerba

Abstract

The present paper analyses chapters 248-265 of Ramon Muntaner’s Chronicle, devoted to the years 1309-1315, in which the Catalan soldier and chronicler acted as captain of Djerba on behalf of King Frederick III of Sicily. Thus, firstly, it examines the main aspects of Muntaner’s account of the events comprised between the conquest of Djerba by Admiral Roger of Lauria (1284) and the turmoils caused by a series of local revolts against Catalan-Sicilian rule (1306-1311), which he had to quell during his governorship of the island. Secondly, it considers the foremost traits Muntaner ascribes to his own character in this section of the book, paying specific attention to the literary devices he employs in order to build this literary self characterization. Thirdly and lastly, it focuses on the tactics and military dispositions adopted by Muntaner during the Djerban campaign, which are studied in the light of some significant medieval treatises on warfare. The carried out analysis highlights Muntaner’s intent to vindicate his success in Djerba as a great victory for the House of Aragon, and, therefore, to present himself as a true champion of the Catalan-Aragonese princes’ cause.