UNDER THE HAMMER
The Franks gasped and strained as they rolled the massive log battering ram up against the main gate at Avignon. From the battlements above Muslim garrison troops rained heavy stones and torches down on the attackers, yet the siege engine’s thick, peaked roof of leather-shrouded wooden planks deflected the stones and would not burn. Frankish archers shot volleys at the defenders, providing some cover for the ramming crew. Once the ram was in place, men with wedges and hammers locked its wheels. The crew then repeatedly drew back the iron-tipped log and swung it forward, building momentum. On impact, the ram dented and splintered the massive gate. The blows that followed did even more damage.
As distracted Moorish troops continued to shower the ram with projectiles, a group of especially agile Franks clambered atop structures adjacent to the curtain wall and flung grappling hooks fixed to ropes over the parapet. Once the hooks were firmly set, warriors clambered up the knotted ropes and over the wall to infiltrate the city. Armed with swords and shields, they ran through the streets to the gate and attacked its startled defenders from the rear.
After dispatching the Moorish sentries, the Franks swung open the gate, and the bulk of the attacking army poured in. During the subsequent battle the Franks slaughtered anyone who resisted and captured the rest. Once the siege was complete, the victors burned the garrison and razed Avignon’s defensive walls.
