The Crusades: 990-1400 - A focus on Venice

The Great Schism

Jan 29, 1054

The split between the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Church occurs.

Alexius I issued a Chrysobull

Jan 29, 1082

In this Chrysobull, in exchange for defense aganist the pillaging Normans in the form of naval support, Venetian merchants were given increased freedoms in Byzantine Ports with them becoming duty-free zones. This again, boosted Venetian trade and wealth tremendously. It also important to note that even though tense relations were resulted especially between the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Church due to the Great Schism, Venice, a catholic state, continues to trade at now an increased rate with

Pope Urban II calls for the 1st Crusade

Dec 1, 1095

Among other reasons, Pope Urban II calls for the 1st Crusade for the holy land due to Byzantine cries for help aganist the Muslim invasions following there loss of the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 aganist the Turks and the loss of Asia Minor. What is important to note is how quickly select Italian city-states (Venice & Pisa) quickly contributed resources to the Crusades.

The Crusaders siege Antioch.

Dec 29, 1097

Due to the difficulty of conquering a city that had Byzantine walls the Crusaders siege the city. Howeve, Alexius I recieves faulty intelligence that says the Crusaders have been defeated at Antioch (which was false) and he turns back to Constantinople, creating tension between the Crusaders and the Byzantines.

The city of Jersulaem falls to the Crusaders

Jan 26, 1099

Economically, this allows a boom for the Italian City-States specifically Venice with access now to Eastern ports and the new business of transporting pilgrims to Jersulaem.

The Venetian Fleet sails from Rhodes

Jul 29, 1100

Venice contiunes embarking on the Crusade despite Alexius I's wishes causing Venice to lose their superior trading priveileges in Byzantine Ports. This raises tensions between the two, creating more of a reason for thier choice of conquering Constantinople.

Tyre falls with Venetian Assistance

Jul 29, 1124

The city of Tyre falls with a collaborative effort from the Venetians and the Franks. Though their were many benefits gained from this, the most important for Venice was freedom from tolls and customs the ability to use their own weights.

Pope Eugene III calls for the 2nd Crusade

Mar 30, 1145

In response to the fall of Edessa from the Turks, Pope Eugene III calls for the 2nd Crusade. This ends up to be a massive failure. This is not funded by Venice. (Note: This does not illustrate Venice's relation to the Crusade. This is simply a benchmark for the timeline of other events)

Venice defends the Byzantine Empire

Oct 29, 1147

Venice defends the from the Norman invaders, mainly for economic intrests. In return John II issues a Chrysobull further confirming Venetian trading priveliges.

Zara becomes a Metropolitian see

Jan 29, 1153

Due to the Venice's excommunication due to their close relations with the Byzantine Empire, to keep the region in check Pope Anastasius IV makes Zara, a rival trading city to Venice, a holy see.

Manuel kicks Venice out of Constantinople

Mar 12, 1172

Following Venice's raid on the Genonese Quart in Constantinople and the idea that the Byzantine Empire no longer needs Venice. Venice is kicked out of Constantinople with all property in the city being taken and many Venetians in the city ending up in prison. This creates outrage and embarrasement in Venice and is a prime reason for the 4th crusade.

Comneus allows for the massacare of Catholics

Jan 30, 1182

Provisional Govenor Andronicus Comneus in response for the Greek hate of the Latins, allow for them to massacare in mass Catholics in Constantinople allows for a clean slate in the Italian Quarter. This fuels increased hatred by the Papacy for the Byzantine Empire.

Byzantium Releases Venietian Hostages

Jan 30, 1182

Having lost all other possible allies and the incoming Norman, and Genonese Invasions, Andronicus turns to Venice for defense. In exchange he releases their prisoners and begins reparation payments.

Arab Muslims recapture Jersualem from the Crusaders

Jan 26, 1187

Occured under Saladin,

The 3rd Crusade

Jan 30, 1189

In response to Jersualem's fall to Saladin, the church under Pope Clement III calls for the 3rd Crusade. Again, this is not funded by Venice, but instead a source to note is King Richard the Lionhearted of England who taxed heavily.

Alexius III issues a chrysobull

Jan 30, 1198

Though this document allowed the now free trading priveliege by Venetians in Byzantine Ports, it was not observed by officials creating tensions between the two on top the the Byzantines commisoning the Piscans for naval defense as opposed to the Venetians, greatly angering them.

French Envoys request boats from Venice for the 4th Crusade

Jan 30, 1202

The 4th Crusade lacked King support, so the crusades need support, which they negotiated with Venice. However, though they recieve an intial 2000 marks, they lack recieving later funding from the Venetians. Though it was impossible to afford all of the costs, a plan is made to sail for Zara to make up for the costs by Venice.

The Fourth Crusade

Jan 29, 1204

Transport ships are provided for Venice which in return they require the destruction of rival trading city Zara. The crusade never reaches Palestine, instead it takes out Zara and Constantinople. Constantinople's fall and target could be seen due to Venice's part. Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire became a target after their betrayal 30 years prior.

Nicolo and Maffeo Polo set out for China

Jan 30, 1260

They, the parents of Macro Polo, set out for Yuan China under Kublai Khan. Venice is reaching the east world

Constantinople is taken by the Greeks.

Jan 30, 1261

Constantinople is retaken by the Greeks under Micheal Palaeogus with Genonese support.

Venetians regain trade access in Constantinople

Jan 30, 1268

Follow the loss of the city in 1261. Venice had lost their access to the Silk Road. In 1268. much to Genonese dissappointment, Micheal Palaeologus allows Venice back to trade in Constantinople with the restoration of their quarter.

Marco Polo travels to Yuan China

Jan 30, 1271

At the age of 17 with his uncle and father.

The Black Death reached Europe

Jan 26, 1348

Originating earlier from China, it trades a long the SIlk Road until it reached Europe from Italy by traders, which were a result of the Crusades. To note however, Venetians in specifically did not blame the church as they saw the plague within China and Muslism Lands.

Basil II issues a chrysobull

Mar 2, 2022

Basil II of the Byzantine Emperor issues a chrysobull (imperial edict) defining the merchant rights of Venice and having them pay reduced tarrifs in ports in the empire. Italian city-states are becoming an increasingly major trade power and more important economically for the Crusades. However to note, Venice and the Byzantines had close relations, perhaps due to that is where is was possible to make the most money. Latine Sails have already technological diffused.

Crusades

Period: Mar 2, 2022 to Dec 31, 1400