Many south Germans volunteer to crusade in…
May 1147 CE
Many south Germans volunteer to crusade in West Asia, but the north German Saxons are reluctant.
At a Reichstag meeting in Frankfurt on March 13, 1147, they tell Bernard of their desire to campaign against the Slavs.
Pope Eugenius, approving of the Saxons' plan, issues a papal bull known as the Divina dispensatione on April 13; there is to be no difference between the spiritual rewards of the different crusaders.
Those who volunteer to crusade against the Slavs are primarily Danes, Saxons, and Poles, although there are also some Bohemians.
The German monarchy takes no part in the crusade, which is led by Saxon families such as the Ascanians, Wettin, and Schauenburgers.
Papal legate Anselm of Havelberg is placed in overall command.