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The First Crusade and the Formation of Crusader States

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The First Crusade's journey unfolds with the Crusaders' advance through Anatolia, the establishment of the first Crusader state in Edessa by Baldwin of Boulogne, the grueling siege of Antioch, and the climactic conquest of Jerusalem. Key figures like Bohemond of Taranto and Godfrey of Bouillon played significant roles in these historic events, which culminated in the creation of several Crusader states and reshaped the Middle Eastern political landscape.

The Crusader Advance Through Anatolia and the Battle of Dorylaeum

In the summer of 1097, the Crusader forces, bolstered by Byzantine troops under the command of Tatikios, embarked on a challenging march through Anatolia. Their expectation was that Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos would dispatch additional support. To facilitate movement and supply, the Crusaders divided into two main contingents: the Normans, led by Bohemond of Taranto, and the French, led by Godfrey of Bouillon and other nobles. These groups aimed to regroup at Dorylaeum. On July 1, 1097, the Normans, marching ahead, were suddenly attacked by the Seljuk Sultan Kilij Arslan I, who had regrouped after his defeat at Nicaea with a force emphasizing mobile archery. The Normans hastily formed a defensive formation to protect their camp and non-combatants. They sent for aid, and the French contingent arrived in time to launch a counterattack. Godfrey of Bouillon and the French forces managed to penetrate the Turkish encirclement, while the papal legate Adhemar of Le Puy led a flanking maneuver. The Seljuk forces, unable to withstand the combined Crusader armies, retreated. This victory at Dorylaeum allowed the Crusaders to continue their march across Anatolia, though they faced significant hardships due to the scorched earth tactics employed by the retreating Seljuks, which resulted in a scarcity of provisions and water.
Crusader knights in armor on horses, with a knight in the foreground with a spear and nose helmet, in an Anatolian landscape under a blue sky.

Baldwin of Boulogne's Journey to Edessa and the Formation of the First Crusader State

As the main Crusader army proceeded through the Cilician Gates, Baldwin of Boulogne, along with Tancred, nephew of Bohemond, diverged from the main force, each driven by the ambition to establish their own rule in the Armenian territories. Baldwin, in particular, sought to create a personal domain and found support among the Armenians, including the assistance of an Armenian adventurer named Bagrat. Baldwin and Tancred initially competed for control over the city of Tarsus, with Baldwin ultimately prevailing. After consolidating his position in Tarsus, Baldwin moved inland and was invited by Thoros, the Armenian ruler of Edessa, to help defend against Seljuk incursions. Baldwin's adept political and military maneuvers led to his adoption by Thoros as a son and heir. Following a revolt in which Thoros was killed, Baldwin assumed control of Edessa, thereby establishing the first of the Crusader states. His rule was further strengthened through strategic marriages, alliances, and the fortification of key positions, which also provided logistical support to the main Crusader army and impeded Seljuk operations.

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00

During the summer of ______, Crusader and Byzantine forces began a difficult journey through ______, aiming to meet at ______.

1097

Anatolia

Dorylaeum

01

The Crusaders, expecting reinforcements from Emperor ______ I Komnenos, split into two groups: the ______ and the ______.

Alexios

Normans

French

02

On ______ 1, 1097, the Normans were ambushed by Seljuk Sultan ______ ______ I, but were later assisted by the French in a successful counterattack.

July

Kilij

Arslan

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