First Crusade

Battle of Manzikert

1071

Seljuks win in a battle against the Byzantines, signalling the push into Byzantine territory that would eventually lead Alexius I to call for help from Pope Urban II

Pope Urban II calls for crusade

1095

After receiving some kind of correspondence (maybe a letter) from Alexius I, Pope Urban II calls for a crusade, to much response

The People's Crusade

1096

Peter the Hermit, following 'divine' encouragement, gathers a group of crusaders and goes on the People's Crusade. This is a complete failure, and after crossing the Bosphorus, they are slaughtered in two battles. Walter the Penniless is also a figure attributed to this crusade, however, he may have not existed and wasn't in any case penniless.

The Prince's Crusade

1097

Main players: Godfrey of Bouillon, Baldwin of Boulogne, Bohemund of Taranto, Robert of Flanders, Adhemar (Papal legate), Raymond of Toulouse. Arrive in 1097, cross the Bosphorus and head to Nicaea after swearing an oath of fealty to Alexius I (ensuring that territory will be returned to him)

Siege of Nicaea

1097

Nicaea had been Byzantine territory as recently as 20 years ago, and Alexius was keen to see it reclaimed. The crusaders besieged the now Muslim occupied city, successfully barricading ships from entering its port and cutting it off from outside influence, it was on the verge of being conquered. Fearing that the crusaders would take the city for their own, Alexius intervenes, and makes a deal with the inhabitants, explaining that if they surrendered to imperial rule, they could live.

Battle of Dorylaeum

1097

After dividing the crusading force in 2, the crusaders continued on to Antioch. The first group, led by Bohemund, was caught by surprise by the Seljuks, and struggled against the Seljuk fighting techniques. Fortunately, the second force caught up to them and the combined crusader force overwhelmed the Seljuks, and they fled. The first crusader victory.

Siege of Antioch

1097

Antioch was besieged, though it was a struggle to hold as reducing supplies and disunity amongst the leaders was common. Bohemond made contact with a Christian on the inside, and the crusaders were let in and massacred the Turkish inhabitants. Days later, a Seljuk relief force arrived, but the discovery of the 'Holy Lance' boosted morale and supposedly allowed a crusader victory. Bohemond takes the county.

Capture of Edessa

1098

Baldwin of Boulogne separates from the main group of crusaders and, with a small group of knights, heads to Edessa upon the request of Thoros, the warlord. Baldwin is adopted by Thoros, conveniently, as Thoros is murdered (possibly with some instigation by Baldwin) and Baldwin takes control of Edessa

Siege of Ma'arra

1098

The crusaders took Ma'arra to resupply after Antioch, but it is mostly known for the massacre of the Muslim inhabitants. Bohemond promises safety should they surrender, but despite their surrender, they are slaughtered. Reportedly, the starving crusaders ate the bodies, giving them a reputation for ruthlessness.

Siege of Jerusalem

1099

Two siege towers were constructed with Genoese support, and a 'penitential procession' ensued around Jerusalem's walls in an attempt to make them fall. The final assault was successful, and the crusaders massacred the Jewish and Muslim inhabitants'. Godfrey became Lord Protector of the region.

Battle of Ascalon

1099

The crusaders won a decisive victory against the Turks (the Fatimids).