Charles and Rebels and Salt

The French word gabelle derives from the Italian gabella, which means "duty." It was a tax applied to agricultural and industrial items, such as bed sheets, wheat, spices, wine...and salt.

The crusade against the Albigensians was concluded in 1229 by French King Louis IX, whereupon Louis gained control of the Rhône Estuary in Provence. On the coast of the Mediterranean, it was an ideal place to set up salt-evaporation ponds. Salt was used by everyone everywhere, and producing and controlling the supply was a valuable source of income for the French crown. (The illustration is from this article about those same salt pans used today.)

When Charles of Anjou became Count of Provence, the salt of the Rhône Estuary came under his control. Upon his return from his brother's Seventh Crusade, he gained a monopoly over salt, and in a few years it provided over 50% of his operating revenue.

He also had to deal with some teens that had banded together to oppose his rule, bringing military might and some diplomacy to counter Arles, Avignon, and Marseilles. His threats motivated the Archbishop of Arles, Jean Baussan, to hand over his secular rights to Charles. A few other prelates did the same, avoiding trouble and allowing Charles to increase his finances.

Charles' brother Alphonse, Count of Poitiers, helped with military assistance. Arles surrendered to Charles and Alphonse in April 1251, Avignon in May. Barral of Baux, chosen by the three towns to lead their military, surrendered in June and became a loyal supporter of Charles. Marseilles held out until July 1252.

Barral was made Grand Justiciar of Sicily by Charles. You may ask, what right did Charles have to appoint officials in Sicily? That's a story for next time.