Fourth Crusade: What Happened
The Fourth Crusade, launched in 1202, was meant to recapture Jerusalem by attacking Egypt. Instead, it ended with Western Christians conquering Constantinople, the greatest Christian city in the world. The crusaders contracted Venice to build and crew a huge fleet, but far fewer knights arrived than expected, and they could not pay the agreed price. The elderly and nearly blind Doge of Venice, Enrico Dandolo, offered a solution. The crusaders would help Venice capture the Christian city of Zara on the Adriatic coast, which they did in 1202, despite the Pope's objections. Then came a new offer. A Byzantine prince, Alexios Angelos, promised huge rewards, soldiers and the union of the churches if the crusaders helped restore his deposed father, Isaac II, to the throne. The crusaders sailed to Constantinople in 1203 and placed Alexios and his father in power. But Alexios could not pay what he had promised, and he was overthrown and killed. The unpaid crusaders then attacked the city itself, capturing and sacking it in April 1204.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Fourth Crusade?
The Fourth Crusade, launched in 1202, was meant to recapture Jerusalem through Egypt but instead ended with the crusaders capturing and sacking Constantinople in 1204.
Why did the Fourth Crusade attack Constantinople?
The crusaders owed Venice money for ships. They agreed to restore a deposed Byzantine emperor in return for rewards, and when the promised payments failed, they attacked the city.
Who was Enrico Dandolo?
Enrico Dandolo was the elderly and nearly blind Doge of Venice who played a leading role in the Fourth Crusade and in the division of the Byzantine Empire.
Did the Pope approve the attack on Constantinople?
No. Pope Innocent III had opposed attacks on Christian cities, including the earlier capture of Zara, although he later accepted the Latin Empire.
Why is the Fourth Crusade important for Greek history?
It shattered the Byzantine Empire, led to Latin rule over much of Greece and deepened the lasting division between Orthodox and Catholic Christians.
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