8 h 38 minAudiobook14 minSummaryRead it, hear it, the 15-minute summary, and print and large print at cost
Audiobook edition · 8 h 38 minPaperback · 6 × 9 in · printing soonHardcover · 6 × 9 in · printing soonAbout this book
A giant champion tests Charlemagne’s knights in a world where Rome and holy relics lie at the heart of war.
The Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone is an anonymous Middle English verse romance in the Charlemagne tradition. A proud Sultan of Babylon and his mighty son Ferumbras stand against Christian rulers and their champions. Ferumbras, the giant fighter drawn from French tales of Fierabras, brings size and strength to a struggle that reaches Rome.
The poem moves through direct speeches and energetically described battles. Charlemagne’s knights share bonds of loyalty and duty, while holy relics carry deep meaning as objects medieval Christians believe hold spiritual power. Through these conflicts, you enter the world medieval English audiences imagine around Charlemagne’s court: its champions, its enemies, and the beliefs that shape their struggle.
What you’ll discover
- A giant among knights Meet Ferumbras, whose great strength puts the best Christian champions to the test.
- The stakes of Rome Enter a conflict where the Sultan’s son brings war to the city of Rome.
- Relics at the heart Explore why objects linked to Christ and the saints matter within this medieval world.
- Loyalty at Charlemagne’s court Discover a court whose knights are bound to their emperor and to one another.
- Verse that presses forward Follow direct speeches and vigorous battles through a poem that keeps events moving.
Who will love it
Readers who love knights, duels, sieges and clever heroines will enjoy this poem. It also suits anyone curious about Charlemagne legends and the medieval English love of crusading tales.
What’s inside
The key ideas, in the 15-minute summary
- A sultan's hunt turns into a war oath
- Saracen ships land and Rome fights back
- A false banner opens the gates of Rome
- The Pope's sally fails and Rome burns
- Charles sails for Spain and meets the enemy
- Oliver faces Ferumbras in a forest duel
- Floripas frees the prisoners and arms them
- A besieged tower holds out with tricks and gold
- Two faiths are measured by what they do
- Loyalty, treason and a daughter's choice
- A fast verse tale built from older French songs
Who’s who
- LabanThe proud sultan of Babylon, who swears to destroy Rome and then Charlemagne after hearing of a robbed ship.
- FerumbrasLaban's son, a mighty Saracen champion who sacks Rome and then faces Oliver in single combat.
- FloripasLaban's daughter, clever and daring, who loves the French knight Guy and shelters the captured peers.
- CharlemagneThe king of France, who crosses the sea to avenge Rome and recover the stolen relics.
- OliverA French peer and cousin to the king, who fights Ferumbras alone though he is wounded.
- RolandCharlemagne's fiery nephew and wielder of the sword Durendale, quick to take offence and quick to rescue friends.
- Guy of BurgundyA young French knight who reaches Rome too late and wins the heart of Floripas.
- Lukafer of BaldasA cunning Saracen king who seeks Floripas as his reward and plots the false banner that wins Rome's main tower.
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- 15-minute summary
- The key ideas in about 14 minutes, to read today.
- Paperback
- 6 × 9 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
- Hardcover
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- Large print paperback
- 8.5 × 11 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
- Large print hardcover
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Le Roman du sultan de Babylone et de son fils Ferumbras, qui conquit Rome
by Anonyme · 1400
A heathen sultan sacks Rome, and his daughter Floripas frees the captured knights of Charlemagne.
Medium level5–10 hours to read2 languages
Learn a language with medium classicsEspagnolFrançaisAllemandItalienJaponaisPortugaisAnglaisHow we measure levels
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In short
Picture a sultan resting under a holm tree after a hunt in Spain. A ship drifts to the shore, and its crew say the Romans have robbed them and killed their friends.
From the 15-minute summary · Key idea 1
A sultan's hunt turns into a war oath
The poem opens with a short sermon. God made all things wisely, and those who keep his commandments find grace. The poet promises one example, the fall of Rome.
Then the scene moves to Agremore in Spain. Laban, sultan of Babylon, holds court there with twelve kings. In spring he rides out to hunt boar, wolf and bear. Tired from the chase, he rests under a holm tree and sees a great ship sailing close to shore. Its crew say a storm drove them to Rome, where the Romans robbed them and killed many of them.
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Which edition is right for me
- 15-minute summary
- The key ideas of the whole book in about 14 minutes. A good first look, or a refresher.
Details
- First published
- 1400
- Language
- français
- Level
- Medium level
Cite this edition
The Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone and of Ferumbras His Sone Who Conquerede Rome. Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/products/the-romaunce-of-the-sowdone-of-babylone-and-of-ferumbras-his-sone-who-conquerede-rome.
The romaunce of the sowdone of Babylone and of Ferumbras his sone who conquerede Rome. (2026). Library of Alexandria. https://libraryofalexandria.com/products/the-romaunce-of-the-sowdone-of-babylone-and-of-ferumbras-his-sone-who-conquerede-rome (Original work published ca. 1400)
The Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone and of Ferumbras His Sone Who Conquerede Rome. Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/products/the-romaunce-of-the-sowdone-of-babylone-and-of-ferumbras-his-sone-who-conquerede-rome.
@book{anonymous2026romaunce,
title = {The Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone and of Ferumbras His Sone Who Conquerede Rome},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/products/the-romaunce-of-the-sowdone-of-babylone-and-of-ferumbras-his-sone-who-conquerede-rome},
note = {First published ca. 1400}
}
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What is The Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone about?
It tells how Laban, the sultan of Babylon, destroys Rome and carries off its relics, and how Charlemagne and his twelve peers fight to win them back. The story includes a famous duel, a prison rescue and a siege.
Who is Ferumbras in the poem?
Ferumbras is Laban's son, a giant of a warrior and king of Alexandria. He sacks Rome, fights Oliver in a long duel and later asks to be baptized. He is also called Floreyn after his conversion.
Who is Floripas and why does she matter?
Floripas is Laban's daughter. She rescues Roland, Oliver and the other peers from prison, keeps them safe in her tower and loves Guy of Burgundy. Her choices drive much of the second half of the story.
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