Fourth Crusade (1202-1204 CE) (apr 6, 1202 – jan 1, 1204)
Description:
This crusade was called by Pope Innocent III to retake Jerusalem from the Muslims. Instead, in April 1204, the Crusaders of Western Europe invaded and sacked the Christian city of Constantinople. The city was stripped of its riches, relics, and artworks and the empire was divided between Venice and its allies. This crusade gained a reputation as the most cynical and profit-seeking crusade and is seen as one of the final acts in the Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church. It also became a turning point in the decline of the Byzantine Empire and of Christianity in the Near East.Added to timeline:
Date:
apr 6, 1202
jan 1, 1204
~ 1 years and 8 months