Lecture Notes: The Fourth Crusade and the Sacking of Constantinople

Introduction

• Alexios III Angelos usurped the Byzantine throne in 1195 by blinding his brother Isaac II.
• Brief stability followed, but was disrupted by the arrival of the Fourth Crusade.

The Context of the Fourth Crusade

• Alexios III's Reign:

  • Inept and corrupt, focused on bribing aristocracy rather than ruling effectively.
  • Diplomatic and military challenges, including conflict with the Seljuks and demands from the Holy Roman Empire.
  • Internal instability and external threats from Bulgarians and Genoan pirates.

• Pope Innocent III:

  • Advocated for a new crusade to reclaim Jerusalem in 1198.
  • Influenced political affairs across Christendom, including the Holy Roman Empire's succession crisis.

The Crusaders' Journey

• Leaders and Planning:

  • Initially led by Theobald III, Count of Champagne, later replaced by Boniface of Montferrat after Theobald's death.
  • Ambitious plan to conquer Egypt as a base to retake Jerusalem.

• Venetian Involvement:

  • Venice agreed to supply a fleet in exchange for payment and half of the plunder.
  • Lack of promised crusader numbers and funds led to the sack of Zara.

The Diversion to Constantinople

• Alexios IV's Appeal:

  • Formerly imprisoned by Alexios III, sought help from the crusaders, promising financial compensation and submission of the Orthodox Church to the Pope.

• Crusaders' Arrival:

  • Camped outside Constantinople, with little opposition due to Byzantine internal issues.

The Siege and Sack of Constantinople

• Initial Assaults:

  • Byzantine defenses initially held, but disunity and financial strains weakened them.
  • Doge Enrico Dandolo played a key leadership role, inspiring Venetians.

• Capture of the City:

  • Byzantines' lack of a coordinated defense led to the city’s fall.
  • Alexios III fled, leaving Constantinople vulnerable.

• Aftermath:

  • Crusaders looted and plundered the city despite attempts to control the chaos.
  • The fall of Constantinople marked a significant historical turning point, leading to long-term consequences for the Byzantine Empire and relations with the West.

Conclusion

• The Fourth Crusade diverted from its original goal, leading to the sack of one of the world’s most significant Christian cities.
• The consequences of these actions were profound and lasting, influencing the course of Eastern and Western relations.