Reasons for calling the Fourth crusade

Question 1

Situation the East

Answer 1

1) The 3rd Crusade and German crusade had both failed to retake the Holy City of Jerusalem —> AND the treaty of Jaffa which ended the 3rd Crusade allowed Christians free pass over Muslim held Jerusalem however this wasn’t enough for Innocent III

2) King of Jerusalem, Henry of Champagne, died falling his palace window in Acre in Sept 1197

Question 2

Papal Ambition

Answer 2

1) Innocent was on 37 y/o when he was elected as pope therefore was young and determined in revitalising the office of the pope

2) Innocent clearly wanted to be the pope who reclaimed Jerusalem due to its centrality to the Christian faith

Question 3

Religious Conviction

Answer 3

1) During the 4th crusade, Innocent forbade any attack on Christian cities of Zara and Constantinople which shows his concern for his role as a defender of Christians