Gone Medieval The First Crusade
Sep 8, 2022
Uncover the thrilling call to arms at the Council of Claremont, where Pope Urban II ignited the passion for the First Crusade. Explore the intense zeal and challenges faced by noblemen in their quest to reclaim Jerusalem. Delve into the various logistical hurdles, comparing the organized and chaotic approaches of different Crusader groups. Discover the trials they faced during their journey, including supply shortages and disease, leading up to the dramatic capture of Jerusalem and its lasting impact.
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Stagger Movement To Preserve Supplies
- Travel in smaller groups and stagger routes to avoid exhausting local supplies and causing inflation.
- Buy supplies while in friendly lands and avoid turning the army into a destructive mob of foragers.
Fragile Byzantine-Frankish Alliance
- Byzantine Emperor Alexios expected mercenaries but faced independent Western leaders with their own agendas.
- He demanded oaths of fealty to secure regained lands, revealing deep mistrust between allies.
Environment Hampered Campaigns
- Crusaders entered unfamiliar climates and terrain, finding armour, roads and supply chains poorly suited to the Levant.
- These environmental mismatches worsened disease, slowed movement and drove reliance on coastal resupply.
