Chapter 4. The First Crusade - The Capture of Jerusalem

Chapter 4. The Capture of Jerusalem In 1099, the Crusaders finally marched south towards Jerusalem. At the time, Jerusalem was under the control of the Fatimid dynasty of Egypt. After arriving around the city, the Crusaders besieged the walls, but the attack was difficult due to a lack of troops and provisions. They prepared for the assault by using timber brought from the coast to build siege towers and ladders. On July 15th, the Crusaders breached the walls and captured Jerusalem. During the conquest, a large number of Muslim and Jewish residents of the city were massacred, and this event further deepened the animosity between the Christian and Islamic worlds. The Crusaders achieved their goal of securing the Holy Land, but it came at a great human cost. The capture of Jerusalem was seen as a major religious victory in Europe, but it resulted in severe massacres and destruction locally. Subsequently, the Crusaders established a system of governance centered around the city and organized military forces to defend the Holy Land. However, stable control of the region required continuous manpower and supplies.