The First Crusade, c. 1070 — 1100

Pope Urban II

The Pope who initiated the First Crusade in 1095, calling for Western Christians to reclaim the Holy Land.

Byzantine Empire

The Eastern Roman Empire, which sought Western aid against the Seljuk Turks.

Seljuk Turks

A Muslim power that controlled Jerusalem and defeated the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.

Indulgence

A grant by the Pope for the forgiveness of sins, offered to those who participated in the Crusade.

Council of Clermont

The 1095 meeting where Pope Urban II called for the First Crusade.

Peasants' Crusade

An early, unsuccessful wave of the First Crusade led by Peter the Hermit and Walter Sans-Avoir.

Princes' Crusade

The main phase of the First Crusade led by European nobles.

Godfrey of Bouillon

A leading commander in the First Crusade known for his piety and leadership.

Siege of Jerusalem

The final battle of the First Crusade in 1099, resulting in the capture of Jerusalem.

Crusader States

Territories established by the Crusaders in the Holy Land.

Holy Sepulchre

The church in Jerusalem believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and tomb.

Alexios I Komnenos

Byzantine Emperor who requested Western aid, leading to the First Crusade.

Battle of Manzikert

The 1071 battle where the Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire.

Council of Piacenza

The council where Byzantine envoys first requested aid from the West.

Peter the Hermit

A preacher who led the Peasants' Crusade.

Walter Sans-Avoir

A leader of the Peasants' Crusade.

Raymond of Toulouse

A wealthy and influential leader in the First Crusade.

Bohemond of Taranto

A Norman prince and key military leader in the First Crusade.

Hugh of Vermandois

Brother of the King of France and a leader in the First Crusade.

Siege of Nicaea

The first major battle of the First Crusade, resulting in a Crusader victory.

Battle of Dorylaeum

A significant Crusader victory against the Seljuk Turks in 1097.

Siege of Antioch

A prolonged siege in the First Crusade resulting in the capture of Antioch.

Holy Lance

A relic discovered during the Siege of Antioch, believed to be a divine sign.

Kingdom of Jerusalem

One of the Crusader States established after the First Crusade.

County of Edessa

A Crusader State established after the First Crusade.

Principality of Antioch

A Crusader State established after the First Crusade.

County of Tripoli

A Crusader State established after the First Crusade.

Pilgrimage

A journey to a holy place for religious purposes, a key motivator for Crusaders.

Penitence

The act of feeling remorse and seeking forgiveness for sins, often through acts such as joining a Crusade.

Holy Land

The region of the Eastern Mediterranean, including Jerusalem, considered sacred by Christians, Muslims, and Jews.