April 12th 1204 - Constantinople sacked. Crusaders from the 4th Crusade laid siege, captured and looted a Christian city. The original intent of the 4th Crusade was to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim control but the riches of the Byzantine capital lured them instead, ostensibly to pay for the crusade. There was mistrust between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic religions, despite the fact they should have been allies due to Constantinople standing as a bulwark against any invading Muslim armies from the east.
This Day in History
This Day in History
This Day in History
April 12th 1204 - Constantinople sacked. Crusaders from the 4th Crusade laid siege, captured and looted a Christian city. The original intent of the 4th Crusade was to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim control but the riches of the Byzantine capital lured them instead, ostensibly to pay for the crusade. There was mistrust between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic religions, despite the fact they should have been allies due to Constantinople standing as a bulwark against any invading Muslim armies from the east.