First Crusade - Page 10 of 21

Nicaea

The crusader army finally crossed into Asia Minor in March 1097. Operating together for the time being, crusaders and Byzantines lay siege to Nicaea, the capital of the Turk.

The Byzantines took the city by stealth one night. The Franks woke the next morning to find Greek flags flying from the city walls. The crusaders were furious because they had been denied booty, prisoners for ransom, and glory.

This incident furthered the bad feelings toward Alexius, but Christendom was overjoyed at the victory - Nicaea was a holy place and its return to Christian hands boded well. The victory at Nicaea was also important because it was from this time that the Italian cities began to take the movement seriously, and to offer aid.

History of Western Civilization

Boise State University
Last Revised 17 August 1995