The Crusades

The Battle of Manzikert

1071

Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes sent an army of 30,000 to attack the Seljuk Turks. After learning of this plot, Alp Arslan met them at Manzikert and proposed terms of peace. After Romanos refused, the Turks went on to defeat the Byzantine army.

A Call for Help

1095

Newly crowned Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus, sent word to Pope Urban II asking for military assistance from Western Europe to fight against the Turks. The Pope agreed to send mercenaries to fight against the Turks in order to take back the Holy Land from Muslim control. This marked the beginning of the First Crusade.

The First Crusaders Arrive

1096

A group of commoners and knights known as the "People's Crusade" arrived in Cibotus. The Muslim army quickly crushed the Christian troops.

Crusaders First Victory

1097

The Crusaders, in full force now, invaded the Seljuk capital of Nicea (in present day Turkey) and eventually forced the city to surrender.

The Fall of Jerusalem

1099

Crusaders and Byzantine forces besieged the city of Jerusalem, causing the Egyptian Fatimids (who were shi'ite Muslims) to surrender. Despite a promise of protection from one of the Christian leaders, the Crusaders slaughtered hundreds of innocent citizens on their way to capture the city. This ended the first Crusade.

Crusaders Set Up Shop

1110

In the years following their victory, the Crusaders set up four large settlements in Jerusalem, Edessa, Antioch and Tripoli. They called these Crusader States and they were guarded by castles.

Muslim Forces Fight Back

1144

The Muslims called for a jihad against the invasive Crusaders. Led by Seljuk general and governor of Mosul, Zangi, the Muslim army defeated the Christians at Edessa causing the first Crusader State to fall.

The Second Crusade Begins

1147

After the defeat at Edessa, Christians in Western Europe called for another Crusade. Led by King Louis VII, the Crusaders set out east.

A Decisive Victory

1149

Led by Zangi's successor, Nur al-Din, the Muslim forces handed the Christian army of 50,000 (their largest yet) a crushing defeat at Damascus. This ended the Second Crusade.

Muslims Defend Egypt

1169

Christians in the Crusader State of Jerusalem attempted many times to take over the Egypt, which was Muslim territory. Led by general Shirkuh and his promising nephew, Saladin, the Muslim forces were able to defend the land and seize Cairo, forcing the Crusaders to retreat.

Saladin Makes His Move

1187

Muslim general Saladin led campaigns against the Crusader State that had been established in Jerusalem. His troops obliterated the Christian armies, taking back the city as well as acquiring a large amount of territory.

The Third Crusade Begins

1187

Angered by the loss of Jerusalem, Christians in Europe called for another Crusade, this time led by King Phillip II of France and King Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionhearted.

A Christian Victory

1191

In the only true battle of the Third Crusade, Richard I and his army defeated Saladin in the Battle of Arsuf. The Crusaders established control over some of the region and moved towards Jerusalem but Richard I refused to besiege the city.

Peace?

1192

Richard I and Saladin signed a peace treaty which effectively ended the Third Crusade.

Crusaders or Barbarians?

Period: 1200 to 1229

The goal of the Crusades during the 13th century was less against the Muslims in the Middle East but instead were efforts to combat anybody that was seen as an "enemy" of the Christian faith.

Fifth Crusade

1221

Another Crusade was ordered by Pope Innocent III to attempt to take over Egypt. This plan failed, as Muslim forces, led by Saladin's nephew, Al-Malik al-Kamil, defeated the Christian army.

"End of the Crusades"

1291

After many attempts throughout several decades to take over Egypt and the city of Jerusalem, the last Crusader city in Acre fell into Muslim control, which was the last official Crusade to the Holy Land.

Ottoman Empire Established

Period: 1350 to 1400

The Ottoman Turks expanded their empire into more of the Mediterranean states, including Bulgaria and Greece and also surrounded Constantinople. The Ottoman Empire began to expand into Europe which ironically put the very same Europeans that invaded the East centuries ago, on the defensive.