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What was the Battle of Civetot (1096)?

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

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What was the Siege of Arqa (1099)?

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

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What was the Siege of Ma’arra (1098)?

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

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What was the Battle of Ascalon (1099)?

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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What was the Siege of Jerusalem (1099)?

Introduction The Siege of Jerusalem took place from 07 June to 15 July 1099, during the First Crusade. The climax of the First Crusade, the successful siege saw the Crusaders take Jerusalem from the Fatimid Caliphate and laid the foundations for the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The siege is notable for the mass slaughter of Muslims… Read More

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What was the Battle of Dorylaeum (1097)?

Introduction The Battle of Dorylaeum took place during the First Crusade on 01 July 1097, between the Seljuk Turks and the Crusaders, near the city of Dorylaeum in Anatolia. Despite the Turkish forces of Kilij Arslan almost destroying the Crusader contingent of Bohemond, other Crusaders arrived just in time for a very close victory. Background… Read More

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What was the Siege of Nicaea (1097)?

Introduction The Siege of Nicaea took place from 14 May to 19 June 1097, during the First Crusade. The city belonged to the Seljuk Turks and opted to surrender to the Byzantines in fear of the crusaders breaking into the city. The siege was followed by the Battle of Dorylaeum, and the siege of Antioch,… Read More