“When listening the intro one can visualize a Crusader Army crossing the merciless desert in mystical, unknown and hostile lands. The short musical part referring to the Fatherland intro, of a previous Ancient Rites album, symbolizes the homeland (or Avondland) the men remember and which seems nothing but a far away echo of the life they have left behind. Ahead the unknown awaits…”

“To this day The Crusades stir up emotions. Strangely enough, those who played leading parts in these epic clashes between Cross and Half Moon seem to be forgotten, covered by the dust of time. The Arabian knight Saladin is a familiar name in the West but quite unknown in the Islamic world of today. Templar Grandmaster Geraard van Ruddervoorde of Flanders is never mentioned in history books or appears incorrectly as the “French” knight “Gerard de Ridefort” as documents of that time often were written by French historians. Van Ruddervoorde, a proud but hard headed man was captured by Saladin after the battle of Hattin. The group commanded by this Crusader revealed courage but were no match for the Saracens who had avoided the Templars charge by opening their ranks, then closing the gap again, surrounding them and thus sealing the crusaders fate. Hot Desert winds and lack of drinking water helped to undermine the Templars’ grave position on the plateau at the Horns of Hattin which was set ablaze by the Muslim forces to increase the heat. The tired crusaders were outnumbered by ten to one. Expecting certain death the Christians fought recklessly but all in vain. The result was a catastrophe for the Western Army. The captured Knights were ritually executed: each Templar and Hospitaller was forced to his knees while Moslem soldiers beheaded them. According to historical sources”none complained and each met his death with utter silence and humility, for such was the way of the order”. The Grandmaster was spared and released after Saladin received a ransom. Saladin also demanded Van Ruddervoordes’ surrender of Gaza. Instead of withdrawal the Templar participated in the battle of Acre in 1189. When the other Christian forces retreated the Grandmaster considered this an unacceptable decision. He took on Saladin alone, was taken prisoner for a second time and executed on October the first on the spot. Other sources claim he fell on the battlefield. Although arch enemies, encountering in battle twice, Saladin and Geraard van Ruddervoorde, ironically, share the same obscure fate: the majority of their folk do not recall their existence. Both strong personalities, with their positive and negative sides, deserve better.”

“A song to Mithras” is taken from Rudyard Kipling's Puck of Pook's Hill. In Songs from Books and verse this poem is subtitled 'Hymn of the XXX Legion: Circa A.D. 350’. In which the spirit of Mithraism can be seen. Mithraism was the Heathen rival religion of Christianity. Spread by travelling merchants and Legions. The Thirtieth Legion was known as Legio XXX Ulpia Victrix and were founded by Emperor Trajanus Ulpius in 105. Its name means 'the victorious legion of Ulpius' due to valiant behaviour in the Dacia campaign, hence the honouring title. Later the Thirtieth legion was to stay at Xanten in Germania Inferior for centuries. Mithras shrines are spread all over the ancient world. Mithras, Sol Invictus!”

“Although extraordinary valour was displayed by the entire corps of Spartans and Thespians, yet bravest of all was declared the Spartan Dienekes. It is said that on the eve of the battle, he was told by a native of Trachis that the Persian archers were so numerous that, when they fired their volleys, the mass of arrows blocked out the sun. Dienekes, however, quite undaunted by this prospect, remarked with a laugh, ‘Good. Then we’ll have our battle in the shadows’. --Herodotes, the Histories”.

“In search for the historical Jesus one will encounter different alternative theories. A philosopher or prophet, as there were many before and after him, declared God by Christian leaders who considered martyrdom, miracles and fear useful tools to control the masses. When early religious leaders discussed which gospels to include in the Holy Books, they did not hesitate to adjust or leave out dogma’s in order to push their own views. Those visions often were not favourable towards women, as is often seen in male supremacist religions from the Middle East. Some sources imply that the Jesus figure is a combination of different prophetic tales dating back to the early days of mankind projected on one person and adopted by Christianity. Other sources suggest that Jesus did not even exist as his name did not appear in Roman registers. No sign of a Jesus of Nazareth entering the city on Palm Sunday. Yet it is quite strange that such a mass manifestation would go by unnoticed by the Roman rulers who had to report everything unusual to Rome…Amusing is the fact that Prophet Mohammed demanded his wives to wear veils in public according to elite Arabic fashion of that time (and most likely, also selfish reasons were involved). Today it is a whole religious issue leading to conflicts. If Mohammed had decided to share the beauty of his women with the outside world things would have been totally different. Bizarre actually, how a personal decision, made centuries ago, is followed by millions. One can wonder how close organised religion still is to their original intention. Christmas, regarded as the most popular feast of Christianity is actually rooted in Heathendom: the tree, the gifts, the lights, actually all based on the celebration of Pagan Midwinter. The somewhat provocative, demystifying title of the song is intended to put a more human light on the Christ figure; from a realistic point of view, and if the man existed, he more likely was a Galilean with strong moral views instead of the son of God that church leaders made of him, adding more miracles on his account as time passed by…Same goes for Mohammed and all self declared prophets on a mission. Beware of Gods messengers and their Enslaving Pen…”

The Rubicon is the ancient Latin name for a river in northern Italy. According to Roman Law it forbade any general from crossing it with a standing army. The law thus protected the republic from internal military threat. When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, supposedly on january 10 of the Roman calendar, in pursuit of Pompeus Magnus he broke that law and made armed conflict inevitable. Breaking the roman Law was considered treason and death penalty awaited traitors. According to Suetonius he spoke the famous phrase “Alea iacta est” ("the die is cast"). With only the 13th Legion at his side it was a risky enterprise. The Roman writer Suetonius described how Caesar was apparently still undecided as he approached the river, and the author gave credit for the actual moment of crossing to a supernatural apparition. The phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has survived to refer to any person committing himself irrevocably to a risky course of action, another way of saying crossing the point of no return. Everyone should be able to cross his own Rubicon. As Vergilius stated: “Audentis Fortuna Luvat” (Fortune favors the brave).

RUBICON

It was New Years Eve in Ypres. After midnight I decided to take a walk and abandoned the party I attended. I passed the impressive Flanders Fields museum which is dedicated to the trench war of 1914-1918. Without thinking I was heading for the “Meense Poort” monument were every night one can hear the Last Post in honour to the fallen. The region had to suffer a great deal from this war which left its marks. I was reading some of the names of the fallen engraved on the monument, walked to nearby tombstones and sat down on a quiet place near the trees. My mind travelled to the unknown soldiers of all sides, their misery, their fate. On a far away distance I heard fire works and the noise of celebrating people. Big contrast to the place I found myself at. The sounds seemed to fade. Influenced by the environment and mood I saw, in my mind, a soldier in a torn uniform standing at the edge of the park, under the leafless trees. The appearance was symbolizing all those men deprived from a decent grave, whose last years on earth had offered no beauty. The “ghost” did not speak a word. Nor did I find the right thing to say to a lost soul, who after all, was only visualized in my mind. What was there to say? Only mad people talk to someone who cannot be seen, who isn’t actually there. I guess my mind wanted to put a face to the ones without a name. The soldier offered a cigarette, a quiet reaching out. A last cigarette was custom amongst soldiers when they prepared to crawl out of their trenches and attack the enemy’s lines by the sign of the whistle, their only comfort while heading for their inevitable doom. The imaginary “presence” did not make me feel uncomfortable; it was a serene atmosphere. When reading the soldiers’ diaries in their own language, one understands both sides lived the same misery and fear. The lyrics to this song were born in my head that night, a rather poor attempt to honour the forgotten ones whose dreams, hopes and bodies were buried in the mud of West Flanders. The gloomy, desolate yet beautiful landscape of the “Westhoek” is quite unaltered since the days of the Great War: as if the presence of the thousands who died can still be felt. Here’s to all of you men, no matter where you came from. On Flanders Fields the red poppies still grow, no stone on your turf, no coffin to shelter your bones but nature provides a bouquet on your unmarked graves…

Arminius was the Latin name of a son of Segimer, leader of the Teutonic Cherusci tribe. He served in the Roman Legions and obtained the rank of knight after participating in campaigns in Thracia, Macedonia, Armenia, and Pannonia . When returning home he found his folk oppressed by the Roman governer of Germania, Quintilius Varus. His experience in the Roman army gave him valuable insight into the art of war and policy as practiced by the Romans. In 9 AD, during the reign of Augustus, a battle took place at the Teutoburger Forest that literally changed the course of Roman and European history. A Roman army of approximately 16,500 men where attacked by 3 German tribes. By the time the battle was over, governor Varus had committed suicide on the battlefield and 3 Roman legions, along with 3 cavalry units and possibly ten thousand camp followers were utterly decimated. When the news reached Rome, the shock to the emperor and the Roman people was profound and long lasting. Emperor Augustus advised the future emperor Tiberius to not cross the Rhine.

From Suetonius, "The Divine Augustus" 1:23: ”Upon receiving intelligence of this disaster, he gave orders for keeping a strict watch over the city, to prevent any public disturbance, and prolonged the appointments of the prefects in the provinces, that the allies might be kept in order by experience of persons to whom they were used. In short, we are informed that he was in such consternation at this event, that he let the hair of his head and beard grow for several months, and sometimes knocked his head against the door-post, crying out, O, Quintilius Varus! give me back my legions! And ever after he observed the anniversary of this calamity, as a day of sorrow and mourning”… “Arminius whose real Germanic name is uncertain (Erminameraz is suggested a possibility), is referred to today as Hermann, symbol of Germania’s freedom. Modern Historians think the actual battle did not take place at the Teutoburg Forest but still the name Teutoburg Wald is forever connected to this event in history, also known as the”Varus disaster”.

“If one dares to stand out from the masses or speak his mind against the moral majority inevitably animosity will cross one’s path. When a person continues to walk his own path, regardless outside pressure, venom systematically will be served in larger doses and one’s downfall becomes the goal. When a certain level of personal success is achieved, no matter how modest that success might be, Serpents will gather, feed on you and if that is not possible, try to destroy you. It should matter not. Continue your travel. It is far more healthy and productive to focus on creative matters that lift a person to a higher level. Don’t offer the other cheek but do not waste precious time. No splendour in hiding and no glory in obsessive hate for it might obstruct higher personal achievements.”

“Zowel toen als daarvoor, hoorde of zag men geen ridder, die zo heldhaftig ten strijde trok, als de hertog” is the modern Dutch/Flemish translation of the (whispered) lyrics at the end of the song. These lines were written in 1288 by Jan Heelu, praising Duke Jan van Brabants’ valiant behaviour at the battle of Woeringen of that same year. Historians claim that the Duke actually spoke the quoted words which are translated to English in this lyric, before engaging into battle. Duke Jan van Brabant lived up to what most people have in mind of chivalry. Not only personally confronting and taking out foes at the front line but also appreciating song and dance, writing poems and loving…beer. To this day there are beers in Holland and Belgium who bear his name, even a merry folk tune still is sung to his name. I always honoured this historical figure by raising a glass (or two), now I felt the time was right to pay tribute through a song.”

“Listener and reader, I do hope you have enjoyed this musical/lyrical journey through time. To some this work might be an inspiration, be it historical or philosophical. Strength on your travel through life, respect and “live” the historical places you might visit. May the deeds of your ancestors, who set an example and who made what you are, be a guiding line…Who knows we meet one day in the shadow of a Frankish fortress, under Hippocrates tree, midst the in water sunken graves of a forgotten polis in Asia Minor, at an ancient Germanic place of Worship in a snow covered forest, on horseback in Southern mountains or being part of the same camel caravan. At least in mind I will have returned. Travel in Mind and Soul, even through time. Wealth of a richer kind will be your share. For Without history there is no future. Members of the Ist cohort of the XVIIIth Legion, we greet you. 1 (A) 18 (R) in our hearts!