Adhemar (Aimar) De Monteil, Bishop of Puy

Adhemar (Aimar) De Monteil, Bishop Of Puy, in Velay, first pursued a military career, but was consecrated bishop May 3,1061. At the Council of Clermont, held by Urban II in 1095, he first demanded the cross, and excited the enthusiasm which led to the first crusade., Having been appointed legate by the pope he joined himself to the company of Raymond, count of Toulouse; passed over the Alps; traversed Dalmatia and Albania; and at Constantinople made a truce with Alexis Comnenus, who at first created obstacles in the march of the crusaders. He then went to Nice, where he re-established: discipline in an army of six' hundred thousand men. He distinguished himself in several combats with the Saracens, masters of Asia Minor; he favored certain religious frauds; and caused the siege of Antioch to be given up to the Mussulmans. He died of the plague at Antioch, Aug. 1, 1098. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.