First Crusade: What Happened
In 1095, the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos appealed to Pope Urban II for Western soldiers to help fight the Seljuk Turks, who had conquered most of Anatolia after the Battle of Manzikert. Alexios hoped for mercenaries. Instead, the Pope called for a great armed pilgrimage to free Jerusalem, launching the First Crusade. From 1096, huge numbers of people from Western Europe traveled east. First came the disorganized People's Crusade, which was destroyed by the Turks in Anatolia. Then came the main armies of knights, led by nobles including Godfrey of Bouillon, Raymond of Toulouse and Bohemond of Taranto. As they passed through Constantinople, Alexios made most of their leaders swear to return former Byzantine territory they captured. The crusaders and Byzantines together took Nicaea in 1097, and the empire recovered much of western Anatolia. But relations soured, as the crusaders kept conquered cities such as Antioch for themselves. In July 1099, the crusaders captured Jerusalem and massacred much of its population. The crusade deepened mistrust between Byzantium and the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Byzantines ask for help in the First Crusade?
In 1095, emperor Alexios I Komnenos asked Pope Urban II for Western soldiers to fight the Seljuk Turks, who had conquered most of Anatolia after Manzikert.
What did the Pope do in response?
Pope Urban II called for a great armed pilgrimage to free Jerusalem, launching the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont in 1095.
How did the First Crusade affect Byzantium?
Together, the crusaders and Byzantines took Nicaea in 1097, and the empire recovered much of western Anatolia. But relations soured when crusaders kept cities such as Antioch.
When did the crusaders capture Jerusalem?
The crusaders captured Jerusalem in July 1099 and massacred much of its population, founding the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
How did the First Crusade affect relations between East and West?
Although it helped Byzantium at first, disputes over captured territory deepened mistrust between the Byzantines and Western Europeans, which grew in later crusades.
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