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The Crusader Chronicles
Written, edited, and published by Jacob
DeVault
The Church Calls for War
It’s no secret that each of the three monotheistic religions wish to control the Holy
Land, but could the struggle over this sacred ground turn violent? We’ve received
word that Pope Urban II has called for a military expedition to retake the Holy
Lands for Christianity, in response to the raiding of Byzantine lands by the Seljuk
Turks. Pope Urban II’s speech has inspired religious pride in the hearts of many
Christians. As enthusiasm for this expedition increases, only time will tell what
will come of it.
Published 1095
The Rise and Fall of the People’s
Crusade
While various European lords prepared for the First Crusade,Peter the Hermit
had another plan. This monk rallied a generally untrained army of peasants and
low ranking soldiers to retake the Holy Land. However, this ill-thought out
expedition was snuffed quickly when Peter’s army crossed into Anatolia. While
nearly all of these crusaders were ambushed and killed by Turks, Peter was in
Constantinople during the engagement, and was thus spared the fate shared by
his men.
Published 1096
The Launching of the First
Crusade
In response to Pope Urban II’s speech, A french army led by Godfrey of Bouillon
combined with three other armies led by french lords in Constantinople, forming a
fighting force of nearly 30,000 soldiers. Vowing to return any lands they conquer
to the Byzantine empire, they set off eastward to attack the Seljuk Turks. Along
the way to Jerusalem, they captured several notable Seljuk territories, including
Edessa and Antioch.
Published 1096
Jerusalem Falls to the Christians
We’ve received confirmations that Jerusalem is officially in Christian control. As
our eye-witnesses reported, Christian Crusaders laid siege on Jerusalem for over a
month. The Seljuk Turks reluctantly gave control of Jerusalem to the Christians
at the end of the siege. As for what became of the Crusaders, many have planned
to stay and defend the holy land, while others return home. Godfrey of Bouillon's
brother, Baldwin, is to become the first christian king of Jerusalem.
Published 1098
Europeans Attempt to
Strengthen the Christian Hold
on Jerusalem
In response to the Muslim forces attacking Edessa, groups of soldiers such as the
Teutonic Knights, Knights Hospitaller, and Knights Templar rode to defend the
Holy Lands. Leading this Crusade were monarchs Louis VII of France and
Conrad III of Germany. However, for reasons unknown to our writers at this
time, the Crusaders attacked Damascus instead of Edessa. The poorly executed
attack broke like water on rock, and what remained of the Crusaders either
returned home or helped defend Jerusalem.
Published 1148
Seljuk Turks Regain Jerusalem
Once the danger finally cleared, our writers were able to get a credible story on
what happened after the Second Crusade. As the report goes, a powerful Seljuk
leader, Saladin, came to power to unite the scattered Muslim forces. He then
orchestrated an assault which successfully pushed the Christians out of Jerusalem
and back into Muslim hands. The Church’s reaction to this is not yet known, but
given past similar situations, another crusade is likely to be launched.
Published 1187
Christians Take up Arms
Against Saladin
In response to the capture of Jerusalem by Muslim forces, European kings
Frederick Barbarossa, Philip II, and Richard I led a crusade to defeat the Turks.
Unfortunately for the Christians, Frederick perished and Philip returned to
Europe along the way. However, following the capture of Acre, Richard I
continued to lead Christian forces in a long series of campaigns against
Jerusalem. However, this Crusade seems to have ended in a stalemate with a
peace treaty between Richard and Saladin. Thus, Jerusalem did not change
hands.
Published 1192
Crusaders Attack Constantinople
As strange as this sounds, believe us, it’s true. The fourth crusade started out as a
call to arms by Pope Innocent III, although many believe this was just out of
desire to increase the authority of the church. Regardless, in 1202, a crusade
consisting mainly of french knights set out for the holy lands, only to be swayed
by Venetian lords. These lords convinced them to attack the Christian city of
Constantinople instead. These french knights seemingly betrayed the church,
weakening the Byzantine empire severely by sacking its capital.
Published 1204
The Crusades Come to an End
After the fourth crusade ran it’s course, Christian forces were unable to muster
expeditions as successful as the previous ones. While there were several military
conquests during this time, led notably by King Andrew II, Frederick II, and
King Louis IX, they failed to accomplish much. Jerusalem changed hands twice
more during this time, and it is now looking to be permanently in Muslim control
as support for additional crusades is all but nonexistent.
Published 1272
The End of Christian Forces in
the Holy Land
It appears that Christian controlled territory in the Holy Lands has been
diminished once and for all. This year, the last Christian stronghold, Acre, has
fallen to the Muslim forces of the Mamluk Empire. However, it is arguable that
Europe still broke even, as they have constructed many new fortresses, as well as
expanded the Church’s power. Additionally, trade in Europe has been booming
since the end of the Crusades.
Published 1291