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Who were the major leaders of the First Crusade?
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Crusades
Crusaders departing for the Holy Land, chromolithograph of a 15th-century illuminated manuscript.
The First Crusade was led by several prominent European princes and noblemen, as no reigning king participated in the expedition. The primary leaders of the main Crusading force included:12
- Godfrey of Bouillon: The duke of Lower Lorraine and the leader of the first large army to depart; he later became the first Latin ruler in Jerusalem.32
- Raymond IV of Toulouse: Also known as Raymond of Saint-Gilles, he was the oldest and most prominent prince on the Crusade and served as a key defender of Byzantine interests.42
- Bohemond of Taranto: A Norman leader from southern Italy who played a critical role in the capture of Antioch and subsequently became its prince.52
- Robert of Flanders: A leader of the fourth army, accompanied by Robert of Normandy and Stephen of Blois.2
- Hugh of Vermandois: The brother of King Philip I of France, who led a smaller, fifth force.12
Additionally, Adhémar of Monteil, the bishop of Le Puy, served as the papal legate and a vital unifying leader until his death in 1098. The earlier, less-organized "People's Crusade" was led by the preacher Peter the Hermit.621