This Blog discusses A will for the dominance of the Byzantine Emperor in the First Crusade and how Politics was involved at the beginning of the First battle
First Crusade: The dominance of Byzantine Emperor
Suppose we say that there is no politics is involved in the First Crusade. In that case, we are actually fooling our human establishments.
There is no winning without Politics. Any emperor or Leader can create a ruthless, formidable force that can conquer many battles. But for the ultimate war, a Strategy and political mindset are necessary.
In the previous blog, I already mentioned that Pope Urban II had great wisdom for strategy and the politics of the Roman Empire.
In a blog previous to this, we also discussed that, whatever the threat Alexios Komnenos was facing in his Byzantine empire from Turks Muslims, it was wholly political and no religion involved. There was no danger for Christendom at the previous phase of attacks. Yet Pope Urban II cultivated the aid towards Byzantine help into the First Crusade.
The arrival of the First Crusade on the Gates
Crusade began to Arrive at Constantinople in November 1096. Constantinople was the home for power and wealth of both Europe and Asia continent.
Army from Western Roman Empire came for the aid of Eastern Roman Empire, because Alexios Komnenos asked Pope Urban II to help him against the invasions of Turkish Muslims.
When the First Crusade arrived at the Gates of Constantinople, Alexios Komnenos saw it as an opportunity. He thought that it could make his empire stronger than ever. With the help of Latin forces, he can defend Constantinople and the Eastern part of Byzantine and conquer some new regions across Europe and Asia to increase his influence demographically.
Constantinople at the time of the First Crusade is now known as the Istanbul, Capital of Turkey.
Following Google map will give you the idea for the first Crusade map
The following link is embeded from Google Maps
Importance of Constantinople for the Christian Faith in First Crusade
In the previous blog, we discussed how Constantinople was important geographically. But it wasn’t just any geographical part of the land for a Christian.
The Saint Sophia church was holding the monument of many incredible Christian artifacts. Some like, The Jesus Christ’s crown of Thorns, Hairs of Virgin Mary (Mother of Jesus), and John the Baptist’s head skeleton. There were the Bones of apostles also preserved in the place of the Saint Sophia church.
Politics: Alexios Komnenos greed for the Total Control
Alexios Komnenos was the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire known as the Byzantine Empire.
Alexios wanted to mark his authority on this holy purpose and wanted others to submit an oath for him.
Alexios realized that only religious enthusiasm is not enough to win the war. He learned this lesson from the fall of the People’s Crusade.
Protecting Byzantine Empire was more crucial to him than the First Crusade. Alexios had no intention of participating in the Crusade. Even if he wanted to be involved in the First Crusade, he would have loved the Leader of the First Crusade. After all, there were no kings interested in the First Crusade because it had no Wealth and Political gains. Alexios was not just a King. He was the Emperor of the entire Eastern Roman part. He couldn’t follow the orders of other Prince, Dukes, and Counts involved in the First Crusade.
The Political game begins in the First Crusade
Alexios summoned Godfrey and asked him to pledge an oath for him. Religious motivation can inspire people for the cause, but it cannot assure winning. Only the perfect strategical move made by a king is sufficient to climb the first step of success.
Wars are costly; paying soldiers and making the weapons is also an expensive process. Importing the materials for weapons and ensuring that each soldier is holding the weapon is also a very cost incremental approach. Although the attack is the best strategy, the defense is also a must factor in the war. For ensuring it, the production of Shields is also required. Medical and food supplies are also coming with a substantial cost. So, when the war is declared on any surface of this world, both sides participating in the war are already considering the cost factor. No one wants to lose their supplies and the position in the war.
An Oath for Alexios
Godfrey submitted his oath to Alexios, and he received the Fabrics, Valuable horses, gold, and silver.
Godfrey submitted his allegiance and offered his oath that whatever he wins beyond the Roman empire will be part of Alexios Byzantine Empire.
After this, Alexios commanded Godfrey to move with his army across the narrow cavity of the sea, joining the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. It was named the Bosporus. This Bosporus separated the European and Asian regions.
Constantinople was located at the southern end of the Bosporus.
Other leaders also followed the example of Godfrey and accepted the allegiance of Alexios, and submitted an oath to him.
Bohemond of Taranto made a peace
Bohemond of Taranto made a peace pact with Alexios. He had the old rivalry with Greek leaders from the eastern side. He later accepted the allegiance with Alexios, and after this, Alexios rewarded him with the room packed with treasure. Historians mentioned, his eyes were about to come out of their positions when he saw this much treasure for the first time.
Opposing offense
Some less ambitious Prince and Dukes refused to make a pact with Alexios. Tancred of Hauteville and Baldwin of Boulogne refused Alexios’ offer. They wanted to avoid the interaction with Alexios, which is why they made the immediate crossing of Bosporus. Not everyone was greedy, and some of these leaders really wanted to fight for their holy land. Still, later on, they were persuaded by the army of Alexios. Finally, they agreed to make a pact with Alexios.
It was only the count Raymond of Toulouse who never accepted the supremacy of Alexios and refused his offer by solid resistance, and Alexios was unable to convince him for the complete allegiance.
But later on, Raymond modified the terms and swore the oath that he will not threaten Alexios and never try to attack the possessions of Alexios.
This blog was dedicated to the politics involved in the First Crusade. In the next blog, we will discuss the Sieges that happened and how they changed the entire history of Europe.
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