1099 CE
The climactic year of the First Crusade, as crusader forces captured Jerusalem in a bloody assault, established the first Crusader states in the Levant, and defeated an Egyptian counterattack at the Battle of Ascalon.
The Fall of Jerusalem
- The First Crusade reached Jerusalem on June 7, and the crusaders began a siege of the city, which was held by a Fatimid Egyptian garrison.
- The crusaders assaulted Jerusalem on July 15 and breached the walls, pouring into the city and carrying out a massacre of Muslim and Jewish inhabitants that shocked even some contemporary chroniclers.
- Godfrey of Bouillon was chosen as the ruler of Jerusalem but declined the title of king, instead taking the title Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre, asserting that only Christ could be king of Jerusalem.
Crusader States & Aftermath
- The Battle of Ascalon on August 12 saw the crusaders defeat a large Fatimid Egyptian army that had marched north to recapture Jerusalem, securing the crusader hold on the city.
- The First Crusade's success led to the establishment of four Crusader states in the Levant: the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the County of Tripoli, the Principality of Antioch, and the County of Edessa.
- Most of the crusaders returned home to Europe after fulfilling their vows, leaving the newly established Crusader states dangerously undermanned and dependent on continued Western reinforcement.
Climate & Environment
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 275 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.
Population & Demographics
- World population is estimated to have been approximately 320 million.