Chapter 2: The First Crusade - The Expedition Towards the East

Starting in 1096, the Crusader armies began their movement eastward. Initially, the People's Crusade, primarily composed of peasants and commoners, set off first. However, lacking sufficient military preparation, they suffered heavy losses from the Seljuk forces in Asia Minor. Subsequently, the main contingent, led by European nobles and knights such as Godfrey of Bouillon, Bohemond, and Raymond, gathered in Constantinople. Byzantine Emperor Alexios I demanded that the Crusaders return any recaptured territories to the empire in exchange for the necessary support. In 1097, the Crusaders attacked Nicaea and, in cooperation with the Byzantine army, secured the city. Following this, they also won the Battle of Dorylaeum, laying the groundwork to advance southeast across Asia Minor. After passing Nicaea, the Crusaders navigated the arduous paths of Asia Minor towards Antioch. Within the expeditionary force, the presence of knights and nobles from different regions made establishing a unified command structure difficult. Furthermore, tensions existed between the Byzantine Empire and the Crusaders regarding the return of territories. Despite these challenges, the initial expedition continued with successive victories.