Success Of The First Crusade Flashcards
What were the pre-existing divisions in the Muslim world before the Crusade?
The Muslim world was deeply divided religiously and politically, particularly between the Sunni and Shia factions, which had been in conflict for over 400 years.
What intensified the divisions in the Muslim world in the early 1090s?
The deaths of Malik Shah, Nizam al-Mulk, and Tutush led to the fragmentation of Seljuk power across Syria and Anatolia.
What was the consequence of Tutush’s sons competing for control?
Ridwan and Duqaq’s refusal to cooperate allowed the Crusaders to defeat them in detail.
What happened to Kerbogha’s coalition in 1098?
Kerbogha’s coalition to retake Antioch collapsed due to lack of trust among allies, and his delay at Edessa contributed to the failure.
How did local Muslim leaders respond to the Crusaders?
Local Muslim leaders often paid tribute to the Crusaders or offered guides and resources, indicating a lack of unity.
What limitation exists in explaining the failures of Muslim resistance?
Disunity does not fully explain key failures, as both Ridwan at Antioch and the Fatimid army at Ascalon had enough power to defeat the Crusaders without wider Muslim unity.
What support did the Byzantines provide to the Crusaders?
The Byzantines provided guides, interpreters, military intelligence, and troops, especially from Alexius I.
What was the significance of the Byzantine navy at Nicaea in 1097?
The Byzantine navy blockaded Nicaea, forcing its surrender and allowing Alexius to reclaim it, which prevented delays or starvation for the Crusaders.
How did the Byzantines assist during the Siege of Antioch?
They supplied the Crusaders with a fleet from Cyprus, siege equipment, and engineers to help break Muslim fortifications.
What role did local Armenian Christians play in the Crusades?
The Byzantines encouraged alliances with local Armenian Christians, who provided crucial logistical support and regional knowledge.
What were the limitations of Byzantine support?
Byzantine help was inconsistent; Taticius withdrew from Antioch in 1098, and Alexius refused further aid after the Crusaders broke their oath by keeping Antioch.
What regions did the Crusaders come from?
The Crusaders came from France, Normandy, Italy, and Germany.
How did the Crusaders manage to cooperate despite their differences?
They shared a war chest, coordinated assaults, and overcame internal rivalries.
What was set aside to fight the Fatimids at Ascalon in 1099?
The dispute over who would rule Jerusalem was set aside.
What happened at Dorylaeum in 1097?
Bohemond and Adhemar of Le Puy held the line while waiting for reinforcements, preventing a Seljuk breakthrough.
What was a prime example of military cooperation at Jerusalem in 1099?
The construction of siege engines with coordinated attacks from Godfrey, Baldwin, and Raymond.
What role did religious belief play in the Crusaders’ unity?
Religious belief helped maintain unity despite moments of division.
What were some limitations to the unity of the Crusaders?
Disputes were common, such as the refusal to return Antioch to the Byzantines, and the failure at Arqah showed that unity was not guaranteed.
