Introduction The Battle of Civetot in 1096 brought an end to the People’s Crusade, which was a poorly-armed movement of lower-class pilgrims of the First Crusade (1096-1099), but, distinct from the subsequent and much more well-known Princes’ Crusade. Background After the disastrous defeat for the Crusaders in the Siege of Xerigordos, two Turkish spies spread… Read More
Introduction The Siege of Sidon was an event in the aftermath of the First Crusade. The coastal city of Sidon was captured by the forces of Baldwin I of Jerusalem and Sigurd I of Norway, with assistance from the Ordelafo Faliero, Doge of Venice. Background In the summer of 1110 a Norwegian fleet of 60… Read More
Introduction The People’s Crusade was the first, largest, and most well-documented of the popular crusades. It lasted roughly six months from April to October 1096, and is categorised either as a prelude to the First Crusade, or, as a distinct part of the First Crusade to be distinguished from the “Princes’ Crusade” which was much… Read More
Introduction The Battle of Civetot occurred in 1096, and brought an end to the People’s Crusade, which was a poorly-armed movement of lower-class pilgrims of the First Crusade, but, distinct from the subsequent and much more well-known Princes’ Crusade. Background After the disastrous defeat for the Crusaders in the Siege of Xerigordos, two Turkish spies… Read More
Introduction The First Crusade march down the Mediterranean coast, from recently taken Antioch to Jerusalem, started on 13 January 1099. During the march the Crusaders encountered little resistance, as local rulers preferred to make peace with them and furnish them with supplies rather than fight, with a notable exception of the aborted siege of Arqa.… Read More
Introduction The Siege of Maarat, or Ma’arra, occurred in late 1098 in the city of Ma’arrat al-Numan, in what is modern-day Syria, during the First Crusade. It is infamous for the claims of widespread cannibalism displayed by the Crusaders. Background After the Crusaders, led by Raymond de Saint Gilles and Bohemond of Taranto, successfully besieged… Read More
Introduction The Battle of Ascalon took place on 12 August 1099 shortly after the capture of Jerusalem, and is often considered the last action of the First Crusade. The crusader army led by Godfrey of Bouillon defeated and drove off a Fatimid army, securing the safety of Jerusalem. The Crusaders completed their primary objective of… Read More
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