The First Crusade - A Complete History (All Parts)

Summary

The video script narrates the historical account of the First Crusade, a pivotal event in medieval history that unfolded in the late 11th century. It details the religious and political tensions between Christian and Muslim states, the rise of the Seljuk Turks, and the desperate plea for aid by Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus to Pope Urban II. The Pope's call for a holy war to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim rule sparked a wave of religious fervor across Europe, leading to the formation of the Crusader armies. The narrative follows the arduous journey, military campaigns, and significant battles, including the siege of Antioch and the eventual capture of Jerusalem. It also touches upon the aftermath, with the establishment of Crusader states and the long-term impact on the region, setting the stage for future crusades and conflicts. The video is enriched with research and artwork from Osprey Publishing, offering a meticulous examination of this complex period in history.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East were characterized by a division between Christian and Muslim states, with frequent conflicts.
• 🛡️ The Seljuk Turks, originating from Central Asia, migrated south, converted to Sunni Islam, and established a significant empire, posing a threat to the Byzantine Empire.
• 🗡️ In 1071, the Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Manzikert and later conquered most of Anatolia, including historically significant Christian cities.
• 🏵️ After the death of the Great Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah in 1092, his empire fragmented, leading to renewed attacks on the Byzantine Empire by local warlords.
• ✉️ In 1095, Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus sought military aid from Western Christians, leading to Pope Urban II's call for a crusade.
• 🌟 Pope Urban II saw the appeal as an opportunity to heal the rift between Western and Eastern churches, assert papal authority, and reclaim holy sites, especially Jerusalem.
• 🤴 The call for crusade was answered by thousands, including knights and ordinary people, who became known as 'crucesignatus' or crusaders, seeking spiritual salvation.
• 📜 Pope Urban offered knights the chance to atone for their sins through holy war, with the ultimate goal of liberating Jerusalem, considered the holiest place on earth.
• 🗡️ The First Crusade was initially intended to be led by nobles and experienced soldiers, but it also attracted a large number of untrained townsfolk and peasants.
• 🛑 The People's Crusade, led by Peter the Hermit, was ill-prepared and caused havoc, including attacking local Jewish communities and Christian settlements.
• 🏰 The main force of the Crusaders, led by powerful feudal lords, was better organized and armed, forming a massive army that eventually reached Jerusalem.

Q & A

What were the main religious divisions in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, Europe and the Middle East were divided between Christian states, known as Christendom, and Muslim states, with the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire being the major Christian power in the eastern Mediterranean.

Who were the Seljuk Turks and how did they impact the Byzantine Empire?

The Seljuk Turks were originally from Central Asia. They migrated south, converted to Sunni Islam, and established a great empire. In 1071, they defeated the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Manzikert and went on to conquer most of Anatolia, including historically significant Christian cities like Nicaea and Antioch.

What event led to the fragmentation of the Seljuk Empire?

The death of the Great Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah in 1092 led to the fragmentation of his empire, as local warlords sought to expand their territories and plunder.

Why did Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus seek military aid from the West?

Emperor Alexius I Comnenus sought military aid from the West to counter the renewed attacks on the Byzantine Empire by local warlords and to reclaim Christian territories that had fallen to the Seljuk Turks.

What was Pope Urban II's response to the Byzantine Emperor's appeal for help?

Pope Urban II saw the appeal as an opportunity to heal the rift between Western and Eastern churches, assert his papal authority, and reclaim Christianity's holy sites. He called for a crusade, preaching a sermon at Clermont in France, urging Christian knights and soldiers to aid their fellow Christians and liberate Jerusalem.

What spiritual incentive did Pope Urban II offer to those who joined the crusade?

Pope Urban II offered a spiritual incentive to those who joined the crusade: the journey to Jerusalem to liberate the Church of God could substitute for all penance, providing a chance for knights to atone for their sins through holy war.

What was the People's Crusade, and who was its leader?

The People's Crusade was a movement of thousands of ordinary townsfolk and peasants who took the cross in response to Pope Urban II's call for a crusade. It was led by a French priest known as Peter the Hermit.

How did the Crusaders manage to capture the city of Antioch?

The Crusaders captured Antioch by scaling a tower on the southern wall, which was opened from the inside by Bohemond of Taranto and his men who had bribed the commander. Once inside, they opened the city gates, allowing the Crusader army to pour in and take control.

What was the significance of the 'Holy Lance' discovered in Antioch for the Crusaders?

The discovery of the 'Holy Lance', believed to be the spear that was thrust into Christ's side during his crucifixion, renewed the Crusaders' faith in their holy mission and bolstered their morale during the siege of Antioch.

How did the Crusaders' situation change after the Battle of Ascalon?

After the Battle of Ascalon, where the Crusaders defeated a Fatimid relief army sent to recapture Jerusalem, their control over the city was solidified, and they were able to maintain their presence in the region.

What were the long-term consequences of the First Crusade for the region?

The First Crusade resulted in the establishment of Crusader states such as the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the County of Tripoli, the Principality of Antioch, and the County of Edessa. However, these states were precariously surrounded by enemies, leading to nearly two centuries of conflict as the Muslim world launched its own holy war against the Crusader states.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 The Struggles of Byzantium and the Call for Crusade

This paragraph sets the historical context of the Middle Ages, highlighting the division between Christian and Muslim states, particularly focusing on the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire's struggle against the Seljuk Turks. The Seljuks' rise to power, their defeat of the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert, and the subsequent conquest of Anatolia are detailed. The narrative then moves to the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus's plea for help to Pope Urban II, which led to the Pope's call for a crusade. The Pope's dual motives—to reunite the Eastern and Western churches and to exert control over the nobility—are explained. The paragraph concludes with the Pope's offer of spiritual redemption for those who would take up arms, sparking a wave of religious fervor across Europe and the birth of the Crusader movement.

05:02

🗡 The People's Crusade and the Assembling of the Crusader Army

The second paragraph describes the unexpected widespread response to Pope Urban's call, leading to the People's Crusade led by Peter the Hermit. It covers the unfortunate events of the Rhineland massacres and the disorganized journey of the People's Crusade. The narrative then shifts to the better-equipped and organized contingents of European nobles, detailing their leaders and the formation of a massive army. The Byzantine Emperor's wary reception of the Crusaders and the conditions set for their support are also discussed. The paragraph concludes with the Crusaders' need to adapt to the unfamiliar conditions of the region and the internal divisions within the Islamic world, which would inadvertently aid the Crusaders.

10:08

🏺 Early Victories and the Difficulties of the First Crusade

The third paragraph recounts the initial successes of the Crusaders, particularly the siege and fall of Nicaea, and the subsequent strain on Crusader-Byzantine relations. The challenges faced by the Crusaders during their march inland, including an ambush at Dorylaeum, are described. The narrative details the battle tactics and the eventual victory over the Turks. The paragraph also covers the Crusaders' further victories at Heraclea and the establishment of the first Crusader state in Edessa. The narrative then shifts to the dire situation of the Crusaders outside Antioch, where they faced disease, starvation, and encirclement by enemies.

15:12

🏰 The Siege and Liberation of Antioch

This paragraph details the events surrounding the siege and capture of Antioch. It begins with the dire conditions faced by the Crusaders, including starvation and desertion. The arrival of reinforcements and the successful scaling of the city walls by Bohemond's men are highlighted. The narrative then moves to the arrival of a large Turkish army and the discovery of the Holy Lance, which reinvigorated the Crusaders' faith. The paragraph concludes with the Crusaders' miraculous victory against the Muslim army, leading to the surrender of the city and the consolidation of Crusader power in Antioch.

20:15

⚔️ The March to Jerusalem and the Final Assault

The fifth paragraph describes the Crusaders' march towards Jerusalem, the challenges they faced, including a lack of resources and the destruction of potential aid by the local population. The initial failed assault on Jerusalem and the subsequent construction of siege engines are detailed. The narrative highlights the strategic movement of Godfrey's siege tower and the final successful assault on the city. The paragraph concludes with the brutal massacre that followed the Crusaders' victory, the establishment of the Crusader states, and the aftermath for those who remained to defend the newly won territories.

25:15

📚 Acknowledging Sources and Support

The final paragraph acknowledges the sources of research and artwork for the video, crediting Osprey Publishing for their extensive range of books on medieval history. It also thanks the Patreon supporters who made the video possible and invites viewers to visit the Patreon page for more information on how to support the channel and participate in future topic selection.

Keywords

💡Middle Ages

The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, spans from the 5th to the late 15th century and is marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the Renaissance. In the video, the Middle Ages set the historical backdrop for the religious and military conflicts between Christian and Muslim states, particularly focusing on the Crusades.

💡Christendom

Christendom refers to the collective community of Christians and the territories they inhabit, often under Christian rule. In the context of the video, it represents the Christian states in opposition to Muslim states, highlighting the religious and political divide that led to the Crusades.

💡Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in the east during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. In the video, it is depicted as a major Christian power that faced threats from the Seljuk Turks, leading to appeals for help that initiated the Crusades.

💡Seljuk Turks

The Seljuk Turks were a medieval Turkic dynasty that migrated from Central Asia, converted to Sunni Islam, and established a significant empire. The video describes their military successes, including the Battle of Manzikert, which posed a direct threat to the Byzantine Empire and catalyzed the call for the Crusades.

💡Crusades

The Crusades were a series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church during the Middle Ages, with the primary objective of reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim rule. The video's narrative centers around the First Crusade, detailing its causes, the journey of the Crusaders, and the eventual capture of Jerusalem.

💡Pope Urban II

Pope Urban II was a significant figure in the initiation of the Crusades. In the video, he is portrayed as seizing the opportunity presented by the Byzantine Emperor's plea for help to assert papal authority, unite Christendom, and reclaim holy sites, particularly Jerusalem.

💡Holy Land

The term 'Holy Land' refers to the region of Palestine, considered sacred in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam due to its religious significance and historical ties to these faiths. In the video, the Holy Land is the ultimate destination and objective for the Crusaders, symbolizing their quest for spiritual salvation and territorial control.

💡Crusaders

Crusaders were the participants in the Crusades, often identified by wearing a cross. The video describes how the call to arms by Pope Urban II led thousands, including lords, knights, and ordinary people, to vow to travel to the Holy Land and fight for Christ, becoming known as 'crucesignatus'.

💡Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city of profound religious significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the video, it is depicted as the most important holy site for Christians, the loss of which to Muslim rule 400 years prior was a key motivator for the Crusades and the ultimate goal of the First Crusade.

💡Antioch

Antioch was an ancient city and a significant stronghold during the time of the Crusades. The video recounts the siege and eventual capture of Antioch by the Crusaders, which was a critical step towards reaching their ultimate goal of Jerusalem.

💡Crusader States

The Crusader States were the territories established by the Crusaders in the Levant during and after the First Crusade. The video mentions the establishment of these states, such as the Kingdom of Jerusalem, as a result of the Crusaders' military successes and their efforts to maintain control over the Holy Land.

Highlights

In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks emerged as a powerful force, threatening the Byzantine Empire's survival.

The Byzantine Empire sought military aid from Western Christians after the death of the Great Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah in 1092.

Pope Urban II saw the appeal for aid as an opportunity to heal the rift between Western and Eastern churches and assert papal authority.

Pope Urban II called for a crusade to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim rule, offering knights a chance to atone for their sins.

The Pope's call for a crusade sparked religious fervour across Europe, with thousands vowing to fight for Christ.

The crusaders, known as 'crucesignatus', were primarily motivated by spiritual salvation rather than material gain.

The People's Crusade, led by Peter the Hermit, was ill-disciplined and resulted in attacks on local Jewish communities and Christian settlements.

The main contingent of the First Crusade included powerful feudal lords and a large, well-organized army.

The Crusaders faced challenges adapting to the heat, terrain, and tactics of the Turkish enemy.

The Islamic world and the Great Seljuk Empire were divided, unprepared for the First Crusade.

The Crusaders' first success was at Nicaea, but tensions arose with the Byzantines over the surrender of the city.

The Crusaders achieved a major victory at Dorylaeum, which allowed them to advance across Anatolia.

Baldwin of Boulogne became the ruler of the first 'Crusader state' in Edessa.

The Crusaders faced near disaster at Antioch, saved only by a miracle and the discovery of the 'Holy Lance'.

Despite being outnumbered, the Crusaders defeated a large Turkish army at Antioch, securing their position.

The Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099, overcoming religious euphoria and bloodlust in a brutal slaughter.

The First Crusade resulted in the creation of Crusader states, which would face ongoing conflict with the Muslim world.

Pope Urban II did not live to see the success of the Crusade, which he had initiated.

The First Crusade was unique in its success, and no subsequent crusades would match its impact.

Transcripts

In the Middle Ages, Europe and the Middle East were divided between Christian states,

or Christendom, and Muslim states. They were uneasy neighbours, and frequently at war.

On the frontline: the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire, the major Christian power in the eastern

Mediterranean.

But in the 11th century, a powerful new force emerged that threatened its very survival.

The Seljuk Turks, originally from Central Asia, migrated south, converted to Sunni Islam,

and carved out a great empire for themselves.

In 1071, at the Battle of Manzikert, the Seljuk Turks inflicted a crushing defeat on the Byzantine

Empire. They went on to conquer most of Anatolia.

Cities such as Nicaea and Antioch, rich in Christian history, fell to the Seljuk Turks.

In 1092, the Great Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah died, and his empire began to fragment.

The Byzantine Empire came under renewed attack, as local warlords sought territory and plunder.

In 1095, Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus wrote to Pope Urban II, making a desperate

appeal for military aid from his fellow Christians in the west.

It wasn't the first such appeal by the Emperor, but this time, the results would be unlike

anything ever seen before.

Pope Urban saw the Emperor's appeal as a golden opportunity...

… a chance to heal the rift that had emerged between Western and Eastern churches in the

Great Schism...

… to assert his own, papal authority over the unruly barons and bishops of western Christendom...

And to drive back 'the infidel', and reclaim Christianity's most holy sites – most of

all, Jerusalem, lost to Muslim rule 400 years before.

At Clermont in France, Pope Urban preached a sermon to a gathering of clergy and nobles.

He called on Christian knights and foot-soldiers to go east, to aid their brother Christians,

and free Jerusalem from Muslim rule.

And he offered a unique spiritual incentive:

“Whoever for devotion alone, not to gain honour or money, goes to Jerusalem to liberate

the Church of God can substitute this journey for all penance.”

He was offering Europe's knights, who lived in fear of damnation because of the violent

lives they led, the chance to atone for their sins through holy war.

What's more, their objective - Jerusalem - was a city that captivated the medieval imagination

like no other - the most holy place on earth.

The Pope's offer exhilarated his audience – his words were met with cries of 'Deus

vult! Deus vult!... God wills it! God wills it!'

The Pope's appeal was preached across Europe, sparking a wave of religious fervour. Thousands

of lords, knights and ordinary people vowed to travel to the Holy Land and fight for Christ.

They identified themselves by wearing a cross, later becoming known as 'crucesignatus' - crusaders.

A few of these men saw opportunity in the east for fame and fortune. But overwhelmingly,

they went in search of spiritual salvation – willing to undertake a long, expensive

and perilous journey to save their souls from the fires of hell.

Pope Urban had intended the crusade to be led by nobles, and made up of knights and

experienced soldiers.

But the viral success of his appeal led thousands of ordinary townsfolk and peasants to take

the cross - many inspired by a French priest known as Peter the Hermit, who became leader

of this so-called People's Crusade.

In the Rhineland, some of these crusaders, fired up by old prejudices and talk of holy

war, attacked local Jewish communities, slaughtering around 5,000 men, women and children, and

extorting money from those they spared. These massacres were condemned by the church, but

to little effect.

In the summer of 1096, the People's Crusade, 20 to 40,000 strong, made its way east.

The main contingent, led by Peter the Hermit, travelled along the River Danube. But they

were ill-disciplined and poorly-prepared. When they ran out of food in Hungary, they

attacked and looted Christian settlements.

They continued to pillage the land of their supposed ally, the Byzantine Empire.

When they reached Constantinople, the Emperor quickly ferried them to Anatolia, to be rid

of them.

In enemy territory, lacking discipline or leadership, their main force was soon ambushed

and slaughtered by the Turks.

Meanwhile, some of Europe's most powerful feudal lords were departing for the Holy Land

at the head of their own contingents. They were much better armed and organised than

the disastrous People's Crusade.

They included, from Lorraine, Godfrey of Bouillon, with his brothers Eustace and Baldwin of Boulogne.

Hugh of Vermandois, younger brother of the French King.

Count Robert of Flanders, and Duke Robert of Normandy, son of William the Conqueror.

The wealthy Stephen of Blois.

From Provence, Count Raymond of Toulouse, accompanied by the Crusade's spiritual leader,

papal legate Adhémar of Le Puy.

And from southern Italy, Norman lords Bohemond of Taranto, and his nephew Tancred.

The various contingents converged for their agreed rendezvous at Constantinople. Together,

they formed a huge army, perhaps 60,000 strong - probably the largest seen in Europe since

the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

The Byzantine Emperor, Alexius, had expected to welcome a small force of Western mercenaries,

who'd serve under Byzantine command.

But the giant Crusader force that began arriving in December 1096 made him nervous and distrustful

– particularly the presence of Bohemond of Taranto, who'd spent much of his life attacking

the Byzantine Empire.

Alexius gave the Crusaders money, supplies and guides, but only after their leaders swore

oaths of fealty, and promised to return all Byzantine territory to the emperor - not keep

it for themselves. Only then were they ferried across the Bosphorus, into Anatolia.

The Crusaders were a mighty military force, particularly the armoured knights, who made

up about a sixth of their strength. But they'd have to adapt rapidly to the heat, terrain,

and hit-and-run tactics of their Turkish enemy.

In their favour – the Islamic world, and the Great Seljuk Empire itself, was badly

divided – its Turkish governors, or atabegs, were busy fighting each other, as well as

the Shia Fatimids of Egypt. None of them was prepared for the First Crusade, or had any

real understanding of its strength or aims.

The Crusaders' first success came at Nicaea, which fell after a six week siege. But the

city surrendered to the Byzantine forces, cheating the Crusaders, as they saw it, of

their rightful plunder.

It was a further strain on the delicate relations between Crusaders and Byzantines.

They began marching inland, through intense summer heat, in two columns - a vanguard under

Bohemond of Taranto, and rearguard under Godfrey of Bouillon.

Then near Dorylaeum, Bohemond's vanguard was ambushed by the main Turkish army.

Based on Crusader chronicles, this is our best understanding of how the confused fighting

unfolded...

Bohemond, seeing he was about to be attacked by a large force of enemy cavalry, sent an

urgent message to the rearguard, asking for assistance.

Then he formed up his knights, and ordered his infantry into a defensive formation behind

them, protecting the camp followers.

The Crusaders came under attack from all sides – facing a hail of arrows from Turkish horse

archers, as well as javelins, and hit-and-run strikes from their faster light cavalry.

The knights were driven back onto their own infantry. Over several hours, losses mounted,

but the Crusader line held.

Meanwhile, Godfrey was racing up with the rearguard to join the battle. Troops were

fed into the fighting as soon as they arrived.

On the Turks' left flank, the Crusader advance was hidden by the terrain, so that they appeared

suddenly, threatening the Turks with encirclement. When the Christian knights all charged together,

the Turks panicked, turned and fled.

It was a major victory for the Crusaders, and allowed them to continue their advance

across Anatolia without serious opposition.

At Heraclea, they defeated a small Turkish force, then split up:

The main force struggled through the mountains of Cappadocia, losing many of their baggage

animals, and running dangerously low on supplies.

Meanwhile Baldwin of Boulogne and Tancred, probably out to seize land and plunder for

themselves, travelled south into Cilicia, capturing the city of Tarsus and other settlements.

Tancred later rejoined the main army, but Baldwin was invited by local Armenian Christians

to travel to Edessa, where he was soon installed as Count Baldwin of Edessa – ruler of the

first 'Crusader state'.

In October 1097, the rest of the Crusaders reached Antioch, the next stepping-stone on

the road to Jerusalem.

But outside its walls, the First Crusade would come to the brink of disaster, decimated by

disease and starvation, and encircled by their enemies. It would take a miracle to save them

from annihilation.

October 1097. Two years had passed since Pope Urban II preached a crusade to help the Byzantine

Empire in its war against the Seljuk Turks. Now the First Crusade had reached the great

city of Antioch. It was the last major Turkish stronghold standing between the Crusade and

its goal, the holy city of Jerusalem.

But Antioch was virtually impregnable – with its citadel atop a 1000 foot mountain - and

too large to encircle. The giant Crusader army could only camp outside its walls, and

pray for a miracle. But that winter, they ran out of food. Horses, men and camp followers

began to starve.

A trickle of supplies continued to arrive by sea, mostly from the Byzantine-controlled

island of Cyprus. And they defeated an attempt by Radwan of Aleppo to break the siege at

the Battle of Lake Antioch.

But the Crusaders' situation seemed hopeless. Morale fell, as deaths and desertions rose

steadily.

In March a Crusader fleet arrived with much-needed reinforcements and supplies.

Finally, one night, Bohemond of Taranto and 60 of his men scaled a tower on the southern

wall, whose commander had been bribed. As dawn broke, Bohemond's men opened the city

gates, and the Crusader army poured in. They massacred soldiers and civilians alike, while

desperate Muslim survivors fled to the citadel, which continued to resist all attacks.

Antioch had fallen. But now a giant Turkish army was assembled under the command of Kür

Bugha, governor of Mosul.

First he attacked Baldwin in Edessa, but abandoned his siege after three weeks, and marched on

Antioch.

The Crusader army was exhausted, starving, and now trapped.

They could expect no help from the Byzantines – Emperor Alexius, busy securing his own

territory in Anatolia, had received false reports that the Crusade had already been

destroyed. Fearing a Turkish counter-attack, he withdrew to Constantinople.

Then, inside Antioch, a relic was miraculously discovered, supposedly the 'Holy Lance', thrust

into Christ's side at his crucifixion – and the Crusaders' faith in their holy mission

was renewed.

Although heavily outnumbered, the Crusaders decided to meet the Muslim army outside the

city walls.

With the zeal of religious fanatics, seeing visions of saints and angels, they charged

the Muslim army... which turned, and fled.

Kür Bugha, accusing his commanders of treachery – possibly correctly - set fire to his camp

and withdrew.

The Muslim defenders in the citadel, witnessing this stunning victory, quickly surrendered.

In summer 1098, Fatimid forces from Egypt captured Jerusalem from the Artukid Turks.

Al Afdal, Grand Vizier (or chief minister) of Egypt, saw the Seljuk Turks as his greatest

enemy, and even tried to make an alliance with the Crusaders against them. But the Crusaders

were not interested.

Instead, they spent five months around Antioch, foraging supplies and arguing among themselves.

Stephen of Blois and Hugh of Vermandois had already given up and returned home.

Now Bohemond of Taranto claimed the former Byzantine city of Antioch for himself, breaking

his oath to Emperor Alexius to return such territories to him. Bohemond argued that the

Emperor had broken the oath first, by failing to help the Crusaders during the siege.

Divisions deepened after Bishop Adhemar of Le Puy died from illness – he'd been the

Crusade's spiritual leader, and a unifying presence on their council.

Meanwhile, Crusaders carried out a brutal massacre of civilians at Ma'arat al Nu'man.

Pressure from the mass of ordinary Crusaders forced their leaders to put aside their differences,

and march south towards Jerusalem - except for Bohemond, who remained in Antioch, where

he declared himself prince.

As the Crusaders entered Fatimid territory, many local rulers offered up money and supplies

to avoid violence. Other villages had been abandoned.

As the Crusaders neared Jerusalem, they found wells poisoned, trees cut down, and animals

driven away. Anything that could help the Crusaders had been destroyed.

On 7th June 1099, the Crusaders got their first sight of Jerusalem – many fell to

their knees, and wept with joy.

But they faced a serious challenge. They were now reduced to about 12,000 fighting men,

not enough to encircle the city, and they were running out of food and water. Jerusalem

would have to be taken by storm.

The barren landscape meant the Crusaders had no timber to build siege engines. And on 13th

June, their first assault with a single scaling ladder was easily repulsed.

Four days later, six Genoese galleys arrived at Jaffa, where they were soon blockaded by

the powerful Fatimid fleet. So the sailors took apart their ships, and carried the timber

to the siege at Jerusalem.

The Crusaders foraged more wood from the surrounding land – enough to build two siege towers:

These mobile wooden structures would be wheeled up to the outer wall, and allow the Crusaders

to directly assault the enemy battlements.

One tower was stationed with Raymond of Toulouse's forces in the southwest, the other was with

Godfrey of Bouillon's troops to the north.

On 8th July, seeking God's aid in the impending assault, the entire Crusade walked in procession

around the city, finishing with a religious service on the Mount of Olives.

On the night before the attack, Godfrey suddenly moved his siege tower to a less well-defended

section of the city walls.

The final assault began on 15 July 1099. In the north, Godfrey of Bouillon's troops managed

to fight their way across from their tower onto the city walls, establishing a bridgehead.

Soon they were inside the city, and - overcome with religious euphoria and pure bloodlust

- they went on the rampage, butchering soldiers and civilians, Jews and Muslims, women and

children. It was an orgy of shocking, prolonged slaughter – barbaric, but not unique for

the age.

The First Crusade had secured its goal in the face of overwhelming odds.

And just four weeks later, at the Battle of Ascalon, the Crusaders smashed a Fatimid relief

army, sent to recapture Jerusalem.

Most Crusaders, their vows fulfilled, soon returned home to Europe. Only around 300 knights

remained to defend Jerusalem, under Godfrey of Bouillon, now named Defender of the Holy

Sepulchre.

The man who'd set these great events in motion, Pope Urban II, did not live to hear the news

that Jerusalem had been taken – he died just two weeks after the city's fall.

The new Crusader states that emerged – the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the County of Tripoli,

the Principality of Antioch, the County of Edessa – lived on precariously, surrounded

by enemies.

And the Muslim world would not remain so catastrophically divided for long.

Soon it would unleash its own holy war against the Crusader states, turning the Holy Land

into a battleground for almost two centuries.

In response, more crusades would be launched from Europe – but none would ever match

the bloody, spectacular success of the First Crusade.

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