Why did Knights go on the 4th crusade?

Question 1

Situation on the East

Answer 1

Jerusalem still in Muslim hands after 1187 fall of Jerusalem

Failure of the Third Crusade and German crusade both failed to take Jerusalem

Question 2

Religious reasons

Answer 2

Plan to secure Egypt shows they were serious and many crusaders prided themselves due to uniting churches and bringing relics home

Fulk of Neuilly’s power’s of persuasion would be a useful aid to recruitment to the crusade

Question 3

Social reasons

Answer 3

Avoid war in France –> going on crusade gave knights an honourable way of avoiding fighting for John against King Philip of France

Notions of chivalry –> Thibaut and Louis taking the cross at the tournament of Ecry was seen as the ultimate display of knightly virtue to their peers

Question 4

Economic reasons

Answer 4

Potential for economic benefit from full possession of the Levant & Alexandria

Opportunity to take control back of Zara