The First Crusade

Question 1

When did Pope Urban call the First Crusade?

Answer 1

27 November 1095

Question 2

Urban called the crusade to export knightly violence (2)

Answer 2

The writings of St. Augustine of Hippo meant the Pope could command Christian violence.

Knights could turn their talent for bloodshed into a means for their own salvation.

Question 3

Urban called the crusade to liberate the Holy Land (3)

Answer 3

Jerusalem never lost its importance to Christians and gave the essence of pilgrimage.

Pope Urban exaggerated the Christian hardships in the East although there is some supporting evidence from the envoys.

It would give Christians easier access to the Holy Land, to visit and pilgrimage.

Question 4

Urban called the crusade to aid Byzantium (3)

Answer 4

The Battle of Manzikert 1071: the Byzantines decimated by the Seljuk Turks, and the loss of Anatolia.

Alexius sent envoys to the Council of Piacenza in March 1095, the Pope responded to heal the Great Schism.

Pope Urban mentioned “fellow Christians” in his speech at Clemont. This could have implicitly meant the Byzantines.

Question 5

Urban called the crusade to enhance papal authority* (2)

Answer 5

The Investiture Contest with Henry VI: Henry was excommunicated in the mid-1070s. The German army invaded Rome in 1080 and Henry appointed Anti-Pope Clemont III

He wanted to carry on the work of his predecessor Gregory VII to reform the Church.

Question 6

Why did Urban call the first crusade?

Answer 6

All other aims were secondary and fall under the main stimulus of enhancing papal authority.

All the five known reports of Urban’s speech at Clemont were written after the capture of Jerusalem, therefore it is important to note that they could have been coloured by this achievement.

Question 7

Political Reasons people went on the First Crusade (3)

Answer 7

Adhemar Le Puy went out of loyalty to the Pope, in order to maintain command on his behalf.

Some crusaders went to escape the political system of their home country, crusade enabled them to run from debts or adulterous pasts.

Hugh of Vermandois went to improve the relationship between his King and the Pope after an argument about adultery.

Question 8

Social Reasons people went on the First Crusade (3)

Answer 8

The Crusades were a worthwhile gamble for peasants “those who had little to lose had much to gain” years of drought, deadly disease and poor harvest had created malnutrition and a 50% infant mortality rate.

The feudal system meant that peasants and knights had to go out of loyalty to their nobles, “it is the duty of every vassal to come to the aid of his lord”.

Social figureheads, such as the three great lords of France, Robert of Normandy, Flanders and Stephen of Blois created peer pressure in an excitable wave.

Question 9

Economic Reasons people went on the First Crusade (2)

Answer 9

Younger children in families went on crusade to earn money with the inheritance going to the oldest son. Bohemond of Taranto (2nd Son of Robert Guiscard) earned money, land as well as the title of “Prince of Antioch”.

Urban promised “booty” which greatly appealed to peasants “those who had little to lose had much to gain”. Knights were enticed by being allowed to keep plunder and went to secure worldly advances.

Question 10

Religious Reasons people went on the First Crusade (3)

Answer 10

Prospect of salvation coupled with the fear of damnation, deep-seated religious commitment that meant eternal euphoria was better than mortal wealth.

Raymond of Toulouse wanted to die in the Holy Land, dying on pilgrimage was a “beautiful thing” with heaven guaranteed – not an opportunity to be missed. Pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre.

Changes to the theology of the church meant knights could save themselves by committing an act of Christian love through warfare.

Question 11

Historiography of motives for joining over time

Answer 11

The interpretation of why the Crusaders embarked on the crusade changes to reflect the mood of the times:

The traditional interpretation is that the crusaders were mostly motivated by material gains.

The post-enlightenment view is that crusading was the first political experiment and religion was simply used as leverage to power it, with piety just a mask.

However, today, due to the work by both Riley-Smith and Bull, most historians believe that the medieval scale of values was different to ours today and that the crusades were indeed a product of pure religious piety.

Question 12

People’s Crusade: Setting Off

Answer 12

This army numbered 30,000 and was made up of women, clerics, people of all ages including some able to fight. They ignored Urban’s request that they wait until the military crusade had left and set off in April 1096 led by Peter.

Question 13

People’s Crusade: Lack of Discipline

Answer 13

In May and June, some of these crusaders slaughtered thousands of Jews living in Northern France and the Rhineland. The attacks had a number of motives: greed, the need for money and supplies, and vengeance for the crucifixion.

They reached Constantinople in August, Alexius I was dismayed, he transported them across to Asia and ordered them to wait at a camp in Kibotos.

In September, the bored crusaders ignored the Emperor and left their camp to capture Nicaea. They believed God would protect them but they were crushed by a powerful Turkish army led by Kilij Arslen.

Question 14

When did the People’s Crusade end?

Answer 14

21 October 1096: when Turks massacred every man, woman and child.

Question 15

Lack of Leadership and Tactics made the People’s Crusade fail (3)

Answer 15

They had no single clear leader after Peter the Hermit returned to Byzantium, this led to the German/Italian split.

The poor harvests and disease meant they had little food due to droughts in Europe. They had to find what they could by raiding towns and foraging. They had not prepared well enough.

They were advised to wait for the Pope’s main army but they ignored Alexius’ advice and were crushed.

Question 16

Lack of support from Byzantium made the People’s Crusade fail (1)

Answer 16

The People’s Crusade left too early for Alexius to effectively supply them with food, 4 months earlier than the date set by the Pope (15th August). This meant that the markets in villages were not yet prepared.

Question 17

The make up of the Crusading Population made the People’s Crusade fail (2)

Answer 17

The crusaders were ill-disciplined causing riots at Semlin and Nis where they set fire to five mills. At Nis they ignored Peter’s advice to retreat and turned to fight the attackers, the crusaders lost many men and lost all of their cash.

There were more non-combatants than in the later armies although there was still as strong knightly element. However, they were in no way an effective fighting force, just a rabble not prepared to fight – Alexius was dismayed by this.

Question 18

The Princes Crusade: Setting Off

Answer 18

The princes set off between August and October 1096, numbering anywhere between 50,000-100,000. It was made up of 8 princes, 200 lords, 6000 knights on horseback, 22,000 well-equipped foot soldiers, 22,000 poorer foot soldiers and along with these armed men went many thousands of non-combatants.

Question 19

The Princes Crusade: Arrival at Constantinople

Answer 19

In May 1097, the crusaders arrived at Constantinople. Alexius did not trust some of the crusading leaders, and was particularly suspicious of Bohemond of Taranto – who he had fought against fifteen years before. At the same time, the Crusade leaders were equally suspicious of Alexius.

Question 20

The Princes Crusade: Oaths of Allegiance

Answer 20

Several of the princes were reluctant but, in the end, all but Raymond of Toulouse agreed that any lands captured would be returned to Alexius. In return, he promised troops to guide them, transport across the Bosporus and food supplies.

Question 21

Dates of the Siege of Nicaea

Answer 21

14th May – 19th June 1097

Question 22

Why did Stephen of Blois expect the journey to Jerusalem to take five weeks from Nicaea?

Answer 22

When the crusaders first entered Anatolia, they met little resistance. Kilij Arslen had defeated the People’s Crusade with ease and underestimated the new force. He made no attempt to attack their camp at Kibotos

Kilij Arslen was away fighting a rival until 16 May. When he returned he expected to wipe the crusaders out with ease but had to retreat because he was so outnumbered.

Question 23

Why were the crusaders upset with Alexius at Nicaea?

Answer 23

When Nicaea was taken, the Franks were disappointed that Alexius banned any looting of the city but were pleased with the cash payments he gave them instead.

Question 24

When was the Battle of Dorylaeum?

Answer 24

1st July 1097

Question 25

How did the Battle of Dorylaeum occur?

Answer 25

a group of 20,000 crusaders, led by Bohemond of Taranto, moved ahead of the main army. Unknown to them Kilij Arslen had greatly strengthened his forces to 50,000. Wave after wave of mounted archers unleashed a hail of arrows . Eyewitness: “to all of us, such warfare was unknown”

Question 26

How did Bohemond’s military skill save the day?

Answer 26

Bohemond’s military skill saved the day, the crusaders were able to hold out until the powerful cavalry of Godfrey and Raymond rescued them and the Turks retreated. The Crusaders probably lost 4000 men to 3000 of the Turks. At the height of the battle, the crusaders said: “Stand fast together, trusting in Christ… Today we may gain much booty!”.

Question 27

What was the result of the Battle of Dorylaeum?

Answer 27

They stripped the Turks main camp of gold, food and pack animals.

Local Muslim leaders lost faith in Kilij Arslen’s ability to defend them and one by one the cities of western Anatolia surrendered.

Question 28

What did Baldwin of Boulogne do when he split from the crusade?

Answer 28

Baldwin of Boulogne split from the crusade to recover all the former Byzantine lands in southern Anatolia.

After recapturing these, Baldwin and 80 ambitious knights marched east, defeating more Seljuks and liberating Christians from their rule.

By March 1098 Baldwin of Boulogne had become the ruler of the wealthy County of Edessa.

Although Baldwin never re-joined the army, the control of Edessa was a great help to the success of the First Crusade.

Question 29

When was the Siege of Antioch?

Answer 29

October 1097-July 1098

Question 30

How were the crusaders able to hold their position at Damascus?

Answer 30

The crusaders laid siege to Antioch, but the city was well prepared. The crusaders held their position for months because the rival Seljuk leaders of Damascus and Aleppo refused to join forces to remove them.

Despite being greatly outnumbered, the crusaders fought off a Muslim relief army that was finally sent from Aleppo

Question 31

Adhemar Le Puy’s Fast at Antioch

Answer 31

In January 1098, Adhemar Le Puy decided that the stalemate was caused by the army’s sinfulness. He ordered the crusaders to pray and fast and ordered all women to leave the crusader camp. Princes swore publicly that they would never desert the mission. The fast coincided with a supply ship from Genoa.

Question 32

How were the crusaders trapped by May 1098?

Answer 32

in April, the crusaders learnt that an army of 75,000 led by Emir Kerbogha was on its way. By May 1098, the crusader army faced the possibility of being trapped and destroyed outside the walls of Antioch, faced with this crisis, many more deserted.

Question 33

What happen to Tatikios?

Answer 33

Tatikios, who had accompanied the crusaders this far was persuaded to leave in February 1098, by Bohemond, who then spread the rumour that Alexius had sent no help.

Question 34

How did Bohemond engineer the downfall of Antioch?

Answer 34

Bohemond had secretly made contact with Firouze, a Christian guardsman inside Antioch whom he had bribed to betray his Muslim masters.

On the 2nd June, he silently lowered a rope from the walls, and a small group of knights climbed over and opened the main gates.

The crusaders poured into the city crying “Dios Lo Volt” (God wills it) and set about a brutal massacre of the Muslim population. Only the citadel held out against the crusaders.

By the morning of 4th June, Antioch was in Christian hands, but by the end of the day, Kerbogha’s forces had arrived.

Question 35

What did Stephen of Blois do after leaving Antioch?

Answer 35

Stephen of Blois was not convinced they could take the city and fled north with his knights on 2nd June.

He met Emperor Alexius who was making his way through the Taurus Mountains towards Antioch with reinforcements, however Stephen assured him the Crusaders were doomed and the Byzantine army withdrew to Anatolia.

Just 24 hours after Stephen had left the city had fallen.

Question 36

Why did Kerbogha’s forces not arrive earlier?

Answer 36

Kerbogha’s forces had been delayed and diverted by Baldwin’s knights near Edessa, without this, Kerbogha may have arrived in time to crush them outside the walls.

By the time Kerbogha arrived, the original force of 50,000 was at just 25,000 as people deserted through latrines or over the walls at night.

Question 37

What was the miracle at Anitoch?

Answer 37

A poor crusader, Peter Bartholomew, declared that God had shown him where they would find the remnants of the Holy Lance.

On 14th June, Peter led the princes to a place in Anitoch’s Cathedral where, under the stone floor he dug up a fragment of what appeared to be an ancient spear.

From that point onwards, visions and signs from God were regularly reported and the religious fervour of the crusaders intensified.

After some days of fasting and praying, they decided to launch a daring attack on Kerbogha’s Army.

Question 38

How does Asbridge disagree with the view that the Battle of Orontes occured from religious fervour?

Answer 38

Asbridge argues that it was religious fervour that brought the crusaders to attack, instead it was desperation.

An Arabic Chronicle recounts how the crusader princes had written to Kerbogha asking for safe passage out of Antioch, but he had refused, telling them to fight their way out.

However, he still believes that they fought with “fervent spiritual conviction, urged on by the priests marching among them”.

Question 39

What happened at the Battle of Orontes?

Answer 39

The Crusaders sent 15,000 men into combat, with scarcely 1000 being cavalry.

Bohemond showed “exemplary leadership” during the battle as he commanded the army as it crossed the Orontes.

They engaged with the Turkish forces and Kerbogha’s weak coalition of rival emirs began to desert him, as they were suspicious of the power he would gain by capturing Antioch, and he too turned and fled.

When the army of Crusaders resumed his march towards Jerusalem, Bohemond was left in charge of the Principality of Antioch, which became the second crusade state.

Question 40

What was the problem with the leadership of the Crusade after Antioch?

Answer 40

The feud between Bohemond and Raymond grew worse, Raymond offered thousands of gold coins to win over Robert of Normandy and Tancred, two of Bohemond supporters. He also went on to capture Ma’rrat and made it his base.

As the princes feuded, some knights went to serve Baldwin in Edessa, while others rode off to win more land from the Seljuks in Northern Syria.

To make matters worse, Adhemar Le Puy, whose leadership had revived the crusade, had died 1st August 1098. Alexius refused to lead, fearing a revolution if he left Constantinople, as did Pope Urban II.

Question 41

How did the rank and file get the Crusade moving during the leadership crisis?

Answer 41

The rank and file forced the issue, there was no time to settle in Northern Syria, so short were supplies that they had taken to eating their Muslim victims.

Raymond repented and agreed to lead 7000 of his men, within weeks, the forces of Godfrey of Bouillon and Robert of Flanders joined in, even Bohemond sent men.

Question 42

What were the key dates during the Capture of Jerusalem?

Answer 42

On 7th June they arrived and set up camp for 4 weeks.

On 14th July 1099, the crusaders launched their assault.

At sunrise on 15th July, Jerusalem was under Christian control for the first time since 638.

Question 43

How did the crusaders assault Jerusalem?

Answer 43

The problem was the Muslims simply strengthened their defences at points where they could see siege towers and waited for help from Cairo.

Godfrey of Bouillon dismantled a siege tower overnight and rebuilt it at a point where the defences were weak. He climbed over the walls, opened the gates and allowed the Crusaders into the Holy City.

During the battle, there were reports of visions of Adhemar fighting beside them, and St George on a nearby hillside, telling them where to attack.

Question 44

Who was given the opportunity to rule Jerusalem?

Answer 44

The crown was initially offered to Raymond of Toulouse, but he declined – either for religious reasons or because Jerusalem was too small for his ambitions.

Godfrey also refused the title of King but accepted the title of Guardian. In July 1099, the Kingdom of Jerusalem became the third Latin state.

Question 45

How was the outcome of the First Crusade due to Support from Byzantium? (2+/2-)

Answer 45

+ The Greeks provided troops as guides and supplies as far as Antioch, the leader was Tatikios. Genoese supply ships arrived after the fast at Antioch.

+ Supplies were important, when they were low, morale was too. In October 1097, 50% of crusaders were riding donkeys and oxen. The poor harvests meant they had to forage everything not supplied.

• The supplies Alexius provided were limited and never enough for the crusader’s needs, they had to forage up to 50 miles.
• When Alexius met Stephen of Blois, they turned back instead of helping support the crusaders at Antioch.

Question 46

How was the outcome of the First Crusade due to Leadership and Tactics? (2+/1-)

Answer 46

+ Bohemond of Taranto was very influential in many attacks. When he and 20,000 men were ambushed by Arslen, they held out in a defensive formation for six hours. He conspired with Firouze to gain access to Antioch. Riley-Smith: “exemplary leadership” when trapped between the two Muslim forces.

+ Godfrey of Bouillon’s dismantle and rebuild of the siege tower allowed access to Jerusalem.

• Adhemar Le Puy was the one force and objective leader, tension between princes following his death. Alexius and Pope Urban II refused to lead the crusade, it was run by councils and assemblies not a strong leader.

Question 47

How was the outcome of the First Crusade due to Muslim Disunity? (3)

Answer 47

The split between Sunni and Shia was so great that for some Muslims it was preferable to ally with the crusaders. Any force created would have divisions e.g. Kerbogha’s force at Antioch. The rival emirs were distrustful and suspicious.

Vizier of the Fatamid Empire said that the crusading armies were useful to “prevent the spread of Turkish influence”. Abbasids had “sent messages to the Franks inviting them to conquer Syria” to act as a buffer. There was not just disunity, it was conflict.

Muslim disunity allowed easy passage through as far as Syria and allowed the conquest of Antioch, a major stepping stone in the success of the crusade.

Question 48

How was the outcome of the First Crusade due to Religious Fervour? (4)

Answer 48

It was the main reason people joined the crusade, with a full indulgence promised by Urban, therefore it was religion from the outset. The attendance was so great that the vanguard alone outnumbered the Turks 2:1 at Dorylaeum.

The Discovery of the Holy Lance increase morale and inspired crusaders at a time of need, it is irrelevant if it was real or not.

They shouted “God wills it” after Pope Urban’s speech at Clemont and “stand fast trusting in Christ and the victory of the Holy Cross”.

Visions of Adhemar and St George at Jerusalem

Question 49

What did the First Crusade succeed?

Answer 49

The Muslims were unable to unite behind one belief as the Christians did until the late 12th Century. Supplies may have been important, but religious fervour meant that they did not turn back home.