The First Crusade: your ultimate guide
What were the landmark sieges of the First Crusade? Who went on this long and arduous journey? And what caused Pope Urban II to spark the idea of crusading in the minds of western Europe? We answer your top questions surrounding the armed pilgrimage that kickstarted years of military campaigns to the Holy Land and beyond… Emily Briffett Published: October 13, 2023 at 11:09 AM When was the First Crusade? The First Crusade was launched on 27 November 1095, and culminated in the siege of Jerusalem in June to July 1099 and the subsequent battle of Ascalon in August that year. However, most of the major events of the First Crusade took place after the agreed departure date: 15 August 1096. Who called for the First Crusade? Pope Urban II first sparked the idea of crusading when he issued a landmark call at the Council of Clermont on 27 November 1095, commanding the Christian warriors of western Europe to take up arms against perceived enemies in the east, in order to reclaim the Holy L...