1. People's Crusade: Led by Peter the Hermit, the People's Crusade was an ill-prepared crusade, consisting of thousands of common people. They set off before the main crusade and faced severe difficulties due to lack of discipline and organization. Many died or were killed along the way, reaching Constantinople in an impoverished state.
2. Crossing the Bosphorus: The crusaders crossed the Bosphorus Strait into Asia Minor with the assistance of Byzantine ships provided by Emperor Alexius I Comnenus. This was a crucial step in their journey towards the Holy Land.
3. Seljuk Turks: The crusaders encountered fierce opposition from the Seljuk Turks, who were well-established in Anatolia. The Battle of Dorylaeum (1097) was a crucial victory for the crusaders against the Turks, securing their advance into the interior of Asia Minor.
4. Siege of Antioch: After capturing several cities, the crusaders faced a prolonged and challenging siege of Antioch in 1098. The siege lasted several months, during which time the crusaders suffered from disease and famine.
5. Arrival of Reinforcements: Godfrey of Bouillon, along with other reinforcements, arrived to aid the crusaders at Antioch, bolstering their strength.
6. Miracle of Discovery of the Holy Lance: A knight named Peter Bartholomew claimed to have found the Holy Lance, the weapon that supposedly pierced Jesus Christ's during the crucifixion. This discovery inspired crusaders and was believed to be a divine sign.
7. Siege of Jerusalem: In July 1099, the crusaders reached Jerusalem and began the siege. The city was eventually taken after a series of fierce battles, and the crusaders gained control of the Holy City.
Overall, the journey to Jerusalem was marked by struggles and triumphs, conflicts with enemy forces, diseases, and moments of religious devotion. The crusaders' journey became a significant part of the broader historical context of the Crusades and the medieval period.
