first crusade - siege of nicea

Nicea was capital of the

Rum Turks

50 miles from

Constantinople

Leader of Seljuk Turks

Killj arslan

Killj arslan weaknesses

False confidence due to peoples crusade, independent ruler (Muslim disunity becoming apparent as a weakness )

Byzantine armies offered:

Military advice ( General tacticus), military support in the form of 2000 soldiers, provided transport across the Bosporus regularly provided supplies (food, weapons).

Byzantine army support-particular example in nicea i

Provided boats to patrol nicean lake. Catalysed ending of the siege as inability to blockade the lake led to an inefficient siege as supplies card still get into city via the lake.

Byzantine negotiations during siege of nicea

Secretly negotiated the surrender of the city.

Crusader leadership during siege - advantage

Council of Princes allowed for joint leadership and greater collaboration - crusader unity versus Muslim disunity obviously played a role in crusader victory.

Early stages of siege

Crusaders laid siege but lacked the weapons necessary to successfully siege.the city was by a lake, could still access supplies. Siege was in stasis until Alexis sent boats to blockade lake.

Good crusader tactic in siege

Prepared for a counter attack . Understood arslan ward return and prepared adequately.

Example of crusader strength during siege

Godfrey supported Raymond and defeated arslan in battle. Good example of preparation, military experience in both battle and leadership, and collaboration coming together to create an environment conducive for success.

How nicea fell-byzantine catalysation

Nicea fell when Byzantines blockaded the lake and secretly negotiated surrender.

Crusader reaction to Byzantine intervention

Crusaders felt betrayed and robbed, as they were not allowed to sack the city . Moreover it stunted the crusade as they relied heavily on plunder and pillage in order to continue their journey.

Alexis reward to crusades after siege of nicea.

Gave the crusades gifts-gold, silver and food in exchange for their work.