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History of the Crusades in Europe and the Middle East

had previously fought amongst each, such was the case between Bohemund and Emperor Alexius. Somehow these groups managed to sort out most of their differences and fight the common enemy in the various skirmishes on the way to Jerusalem. (Durant, p. 590)
The crusaders eventually came up to their first large city in enemy territory, which was Antioch. The combined effect of not having enough troops for such a large city, and the internal struggles of the various crusader divisions made this a very hard fought siege. After many struggles, the Christians took the town and killed most of its citizens, but shortly after this, another Muslim army was on its way. Now the former conquerors were on the other side of the wall defending what they had taken earlier. This army was repelled and now Antioch stood fully in crusader's hands. Yet again, though, drama ensued and more bickering amongst the leaders happened, this time about who should control Antioch. The soldiers threatened to march on to Jerusalem, sans leaders. Shortly thereafter, the quarreling stopped and the march continued, with Bohemund staying behind in charge of Antioch. (Durant, p. 591)


The armies continued their march to Jerusalem and faced yet another siege much like that of Antioch when they arrived. By this time, most of those that started out on the crusade to Jerusalem had perished, leaving less than 2,000 to take the holy city. Nevertheless, the soldiers pushed on in their endeavor and made siege towers and catapults to take this final objective. They were able to break down one of the city walls and finally enter this last bastion. The scene inside the walls was horrific. The crusaders slaughtered the inhabitants left and right. It didn't matter who the citizen was be it Muslim, Jew, woman, child or even Christian; they got massacred. An anonymous writer wrote in the Gesta Francorum, ""...the slaughter was so great that our men waded in blood up to their ankles..." (Krey, p. 256)
The crown of Jerusalem was now in European hands. After being turned down by Raymond of Toulouse after he refused to " wear a crown of gold where Christ wore a crown of thorns," the crown was passed to Baldwin who was now called the King of Jerusalem. Most of those who came on the crusade and actually survived the siege of Jerusalem now had their mission fulfilled and returned home. When they arrived back they found many of the want to be crusaders who turned back early in the campaign or who didn't even go. Consequently


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History of the Crusades in Europe and the Middle East

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History of the Crusades in Europe and the Middle East

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