A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Carcas
CARCAS, (Widow of Balahac,) who had caused himself to be crowned King of Carcassone, and died at the siege of that City,
Was a woman of Uncommon courage.—"A representation of her," says Mr. Gaillard, "is still to be seen over the gate of the city, with this inscription: Carcas sum; the corruption of which has undoubtedly given name to the place. She undertook to avenge her husband's death; and sustained the siege with so much bravery, that Charlemagne left her in possession of the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the city. Afterwards the Saracens came, and insulted the Countess of Carcassone under her own walls; jesting at the idea of a female warrior, and recommending her to spin rather than to fight. Arming herself therefore with a lance, to which she affixed, as to a distaff, a quantity of hemp, leaving only the point bare; she set fire to it, and rushed into the midst of the enemy, whom she filled with terror, and put to flight. Her shield and victorious lance are yet shewn at Carcassone; the government of which, joined to her personal glory, induced the handsomest and bravest knights of the time to solicit her hand, which she bestowed on a young Frenchman, of the name of Roger.