Crusader attack on Blachernae (1101)
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The Crusader attack on Blachernae was a skirmish that took place during the Crusade of 1101. As in the First Crusade, the pilgrims and soldiers of 1101 crusade did not leave as a part of one large army, but rather in several groups from various different regions from across Western Europe. In September 1100, a large group of Lombards left from Milan. These were mostly untrained peasants, led by Anselm IV, Archbishop of Milan. When they reached the territory of the Byzantine Empire, they recklessly pillaged the countryside in want of food and provisions until the Byzantine emperor Alexios I, possibly under force of arms, escorted them to a camp outside Constantinople. This did not satisfy them for long, as they forced their way inside the city where they pillaged the Blachernae palace, even killing Alexios' pet lion. In order to limit any further damage, the Lombards were quickly ferried across the Bosporus and made their camp at Nicomedia, to wait for additional Crusading reinforcements.
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Crusader attack on Blachernae (1101) | |||||||
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Part of the Crusades | |||||||
Map of Constantinople during the Byzantine era. Blachernae is located on the extreme northwestern point of the city. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Byzantine Empire | Crusading Lombards | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Alexios I | Anselm IV, Archbishop of Milan | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Few, if any soldiers Four lions, possibly seven leopards | Several killed, many others wounded |