Now [Bohemond] was such as, to put it briefly, had never before been seen in the land of the Romans [that is, Greeks], be he either of the barbarians or of the Greeks (for he was a marvel for the eyes to behold, and his reputation was terrifying). ... Bohemond and his father Robert Guiscard had waged war against the Byzantine Empire in both Italy and the Balkans. ... Historians have often tried to link the origins of the First Crusade to the West, or to struggles presented to the Byzantine Empire by the military conquests of the Seljuk Turks. ... The city desperately needed a ruler who would u...

• Word Count: 3874
• Approx Pages: 15
• Has Bibliography

In the year 1095, there was fighting in the the Christian Byzantine Empire. ... Urban also described the Turkish attacks on the Christian Empire. ... By conquering much of the Eastern Empire, the Turks left Constantinople open to an attack. ... The Western Empire was just back on its feet and was stronger than ever. ... There was more than one reason why Urban was willing to assist the Eastern Empire. ...

• Word Count: 3115
• Approx Pages: 12
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School