A day like this in time….

Do early Christian medieval stories interest you? Then I found something that you would like to know.

Easter is one of the famous celebrations in early Christendom and that birthed the Great German Pilgrimage of 1064–1065 AD, which was one of the largest and most prominent medieval journeys to Jerusalem, led by influential bishops such as Gunther of Bamberg, Siegfried of Mainz, William of Utrecht, and Otto of Ratisbon. With an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 participants, the pilgrimage stood out for both its scale and the immense wealth carried by its members, taking place roughly three decades before the First Crusade that took place in 1096 AD.

Legend has it that on March 25, 1065, which happened to be Good Friday, the Great German pilgrims were ambushed by Bedouin bandits near Kafar Sallam while traveling from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Drawn by the group's riches, the attackers struck in the early morning, catching many pilgrims unprepared. Some, guided by religious conviction, initially refrained from fighting and were killed or injured, while others lost their animals, supplies, and valuables. The survivors eventually regrouped and took refuge in a nearby fort, where they organized a defense under Bishop Gunther, even capturing some of the attackers to force a temporary truce.

Relief later arrived on Easter Monday when the Fatimid governor of Ramla intervened with his armed forces, dispersing the attackers and freeing captives. Despite heavy losses, with fewer survivors not more than 2,000, the remaining pilgrims continued their journey and reached Jerusalem on April 12, 1065. The devastating attack highlighted the growing dangers of pilgrimage in the Holy Land and was later cited as an example of insecurity and conflict in the region in the years leading up to the First Crusade.