The Crusading Armies: From Clermont to Constantinople

The People's Crusade (1096) — The False Start

Before the main armies had even assembled, a disorganised mass of mostly poor pilgrims set out under Peter the Hermit, a charismatic preacher. Tens of thousands marched east with almost no military leadership, supplies, or discipline. They sacked Christian villages in Hungary and the Byzantine Empire for food, alienating potential allies.

When they crossed into Anatolia in October 1096, the Seljuk Turks ambushed and massacred the People's Crusade near Nicaea. Only a handful survived. It was a catastrophic failure that demonstrated the price of enthusiasm without organisation.

The Four Main Armies (1096–1097)

The proper crusading armies assembled from across western Europe, led by powerful nobles rather than wandering preachers. The four main contingents were:

• Godfrey of Bouillon (from Lorraine/Germany) — later became ruler of Jerusalem
• Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse (from southern France) — the wealthiest and most prestigious crusader
• Bohemond of Taranto (Norman from southern Italy) — the most experienced military commander
• Hugh of Vermandois (brother of the King of France) — prestige and connection to French crown

Together they assembled an army of approximately 60,000–100,000 people (including non-combatants). They marched through Europe, converging on Constantinople in late 1096 and early 1097.