Position of Byzantine empire by 1118

Question 1

Evidence the crusade strengthened Alexios position

Answer 1

• Alexios extracted oaths of allegiance from all crusader princes - adding to prestige by positioning himself above them
• Alexios regained Nicaea - negotiated cities surrender directly to his men - ensured it passed into Byzantine possession
• regained territory in Anatolia
• Greek crusade - able to defeat Bohemond’s invasion of Durazzo 1108 - Treaty of Devol

Question 2

Evidence the crusade weakened Alexios position

Answer 2

• Peoples crusade - Alexios failed to control the forces of Peter the Hermit - damaged reputation
• failed to regain Antioch - didn’t go to Antioch to aid in its capture - lost city to Bohemond - lead to years of tension
• failed to enforce Treaty of Devol - 1108 Bohemond went on to attack Byzantine territory - Tancred ignored it