The Norwegian Crusade, led by King Sigurd I (Sigurd the Crusader), marked Norway’s participation in the broader European Crusades and its growing role in international affairs during the early 12th century. Sigurd I became the first European king to personally lead a crusade to the Holy Land, setting sail in 1107 with a fleet of 60 ships and around 5,000 men.
The expedition traveled through England, France, and Spain, engaging in battles with Muslim forces in Lisbon and the Balearic Islands. Sigurd and his forces reached the Holy Land in 1110, where he allied with the King of Jerusalem, Baldwin I, and took part in the capture of the coastal city of Sidon, solidifying Christian control of the region. As a reward for his efforts, Sigurd was honored with relics and bestowed with the title of Defender of the Holy Sepulchre.
Sigurd’s crusade established Norway’s reputation as a significant player in Christian Europe, enhancing the prestige of the Norwegian monarchy. It also marked a high point in Norway’s connection to the Mediterranean and its role in the wider Christian world during the Crusades.