Children's Crusade

Stephen becomes inspired

Feb 15, 1212

Stephen becomes inspired by Jesus Christ. He believes that Jesus sent him a message to him to rescue the Holy Lands.

10,000 German children set off for Rome to meet with the pope

Mar 1, 1212

The children who first made the journey would eventually meet with the pope.They would also merge with a group of 20,000 other children. Together they would meet up with the pope in Rome.

20,000 children, led by Stephen from Cloyes, then march to Rome to meet with the pope.

Jun 1, 1212

Stephen led a group of 20,000 to travel to Rome to meet the pope. Stephen's reasoning was to get the pope to get the Holy Lands back from Muslim control.

Stephen and his followers arrive at Rome

Jul 1, 1212

By the time Stephen and his followers arrive only about 7,000 have survived. Pope Innocent then grants permission for the children to invade the Holy Lands.

The Children face a disappointing result

Nov 1, 1212

When the children arrived they found that God did not allow the sea to part for them like Moses. They then started to head back toward home.

The Children head back home

Nov 5, 1212

Two merchants provided the children with seven ships to get back home. The children took off, only to have a sad end a few days later.

Children are sold into slavery

Nov 10, 1212

Two of the seven ships then wrecked. The other five were captured by slave traders. The children were taken into slavery and sold throughout Northern Africa.