The Fourth Crusade
Pope Innocent III sanctioned a call for a new crusade in 1202, which was planned to reconquer the city of Jerusalem from the Muslims. Although the Pope's call for a new crusade was ignored by most of the European leaders, a crusading army was eventually formed in France. Led by French knights, the Fourth Crusade set out for the Holy Land with the majority departing from Venice. Unfortunately, the crusaders needed funds and were convinced by Venetian lords to divert their arm to go to Constantinople on the way to Jerusalem, where they could capture the wealth and glory of Eastern Orthodox Constantinople and also restore the deposed Byzantine emperor to his throne. However, the Venetians and the crusaders eventually decided
Pope Innocent III sanctioned a call for a new crusade in 1202, which was planned to reconquer the city of Jerusalem from the Muslims. Although the Pope's call for a new crusade was ignored by most of the European leaders, a crusading army was eventually formed in France. Led by French knights, the Fourth Crusade set out for the Holy Land with the majority departing from Venice. Unfortunately, the crusaders needed funds and were convinced by Venetian lords to divert their arm to go to Constantinople on the way to Jerusalem, where they could capture the wealth and glory of Eastern Orthodox Constantinople and also restore the deposed Byzantine emperor to his throne. However, the Venetians and the crusaders eventually decided