Timeline of the First Crusade

First Crusade

Period: Nov 1, 1095 to Jul 29, 1099

Pope Urban II calls for the reclamation of the Holy Land sparking the First Crusade

Nov 27, 1095

Pope Urban II was looking to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. He saw the opportunity to redirect the armies and great Knights on a mission sanctioned by God.

Combined armies gather in Constantinople

Aug 1, 1096

The armies led by the nobles gathered in Constantinople to embark on their holy mission. Alexios Komnenos of the Byzantine Empire saw this as an opportunity to make a deal with the leaders to recover land lost to the Turks

Nicaea falls

Jun 1, 1097

The Crusader army with the assistance of the Hellenic army took the City of Nicaea to return to the Byzantines. This major victory further united the Crusaders. The army continued marching on towards Antioch

Siege of Antioch Begins

Oct 1, 1097

The Crusaders reaching Antioch meant that the march towards Jerusalem was halfway completed. The siege lasted eight months. This was a huge test for the Crusaders because of the lack of supplies and troops demoralized the army and lead to dissention for the leadership

Antioch Falls

Jun 1, 1098

After a long battle Antioch falls. Following this disease breaks out and many of the Crusaders and killed.

March towards Jerusalem Begins

Jan 1, 1099

After recovery from the plagues the army begins its march for Jerusalem.

Seige of Jerusalem and Establishment of Kingdom of Jerusalem

Jul 22, 1099

During the siege of Jerusalem the Crusaders were pushed back from the inner walls of the city and had to fall back and reorganize. After Priest Desiderius rallied the armies and gave them guidance and hope the city was taken by the Crusaders. Bibliography: Phillips, Jonathan. "The Crusades: A Complete History." History Today 65, no. 5 (May 2015).