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First Crusade

Cologne to Hungary

© Marten van Cleve

First Crusade

Cologne to Hungary

1096 May 8
Hungary
Cologne to Hungary
Peasants fighting a pilgrim © Marten van Cleve

In the spring of 1096, inspired by Pope Urban II's call to reclaim Jerusalem, a vast multitude of European peasants and low-ranking knights embarked on what became known as the People's Crusade. Departing from Cologne around April 20, 1096, approximately 40,000 crusaders set forth. This movement, led by figures like Peter the Hermit and Walter Sans Avoir, was characterized by its lack of formal organization and the diverse backgrounds of its participants.


As these groups journeyed through Europe, they encountered various challenges. Walter Sans Avoir's contingent, one of the first to set out, traversed the Kingdom of Hungary without significant incident. King Coloman of Hungary, upon learning of their peaceful intentions, granted them safe passage and permission to trade within his realm. This facilitated their journey to Belgrade and further into the Byzantine Empire.


Upon reaching the Danube River, the Crusaders split into two groups: one traveled by boat down the river, while the main body proceeded overland, entering Hungary at Sopron. Initially, their passage through Hungary was uneventful, and they reunited with the Danube contingent at Zemun, near the Byzantine frontier.


In contrast, another faction led by Count Emicho of Flonheim became notorious for instigating violence against Jewish communities in the Rhineland. Emicho's forces perpetrated massacres in cities such as Mainz, Worms, and Cologne, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Jews.


When Emicho's army reached Hungary, their reputation for violence preceded them. King Coloman, wary of their intentions, denied them entry. Undeterred, Emicho's forces attempted to force their way through, leading to confrontations with Hungarian troops. The Hungarian army decisively defeated Emicho's contingent, effectively ending their participation in the crusade.

Page Last Updated: 11/09/2024

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