Siege of Jerusalem (1099)
Jerusalem
What happened
Crusader leaders Godfrey of Bouillon, Raymond IV of Toulouse and Tancred besieged Jerusalem, which was held for the Fatimid Caliphate of Egypt by its governor Iftikhar al-Dawla. In 1095 Pope Urban II called on Christians in Western Europe to march east and take Jerusalem, and in June 1099 the army of the First Crusade reached the city. There were few trees nearby, so the Crusaders brought in timber to build two wheeled siege towers, a battering ram and ladders. On 15 July they broke into the city and took it, killing large numbers of its Muslim and Jewish residents.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The capture of Jerusalem was the goal of the First Crusade and led to the founding of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. The violence of the capture has been remembered for centuries.
What came next
Godfrey agreed to rule but took the title Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre instead of king. In August 1099 the Crusaders defeated a Fatimid army at Ascalon, securing their new kingdom.
Timeline
- 1095Pope Urban II calls the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.
- 7 June 1099The Crusaders begin the siege of Jerusalem.
- 15 July 1099The Crusaders break into the city and take it.
- August 1099The Crusaders defeat a Fatimid army at Ascalon.
- 18 July 1100Godfrey of Bouillon dies in Jerusalem.