Tancred of Hauteville was the grandson of the great Norman ruler Robert The Fox Guiscard and the nephew of the legendary Bohemond of Antioch. With his uncle, he joined the group of Franks who answered the Popes call for the defense of Jerusalem what would later be known as the First Crusade. After the Crusaders besieged Antioch in 1098, Bohemond stayed behind, and Tancred went on to Jerusalem, where, in 1099, he became the first Christian to enter the city and do battle with the Seljuk Turks. He was, quite literally, the First Crusader. Tancred became regent of Antioch in A.D. 1101 and reigned until his death in 1112. This bronze coin was struck there during his regency. (first run limited to 48 pieces)
