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Norwegian Crusade

Type Event Region Northern Europe Time 1107–1111

In 1107, Norwegian King Sigurd I led a large fleet via England, Iberia, and Sicily to the Holy Land, a famous crusade personally led by a Northern Eu…

Timeline

  1. 1107Norway · NorwaySigurd I assembled over sixty warships and some five thousand warriors, setting sail from Norway's west coast in response to the pope's and Europe's crusading call, launching the largest Northern European royal expedition to the Holy Land.
  2. 1107–1108English and Iberian waters · Western EuropeThe fleet first reached England, where it received aid from Henry I, then sailed south to Iberia to join fighting against the Moors, and proceeded through Sicily into the eastern Mediterranean, displaying Northern naval power along the way and allying with local Christian forces.
  3. 1110Beirut · LebanonAfter arriving in the Levant, Sigurd's fleet joined forces with King Baldwin I of Jerusalem to besiege Sidon. Norwegian sailors blockaded the port from the sea and took part in the landing; after the city fell, Baldwin granted the Norwegians part of the spoils, marking the expedition's military climax.
  4. 1110–1111Constantinople to Norway · NorwayThe expedition returned via Constantinople under the hospitality of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I, bringing back many gifts and renown. Sigurd I returned to Norway in 1110–1111, and the crusade became an important subject of Norse saga literature.

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