German Crusade

Timeline

1. 1197Holy Roman Empire · Holy Roman EmpireIn spring 1197, German nobles such as Adalbert of Brandenburg and Hartmann of Saxony, still fulfilling their crusade vows after the emperor's death, assembled their forces within the empire and set out for the Italian ports.
2. 1197Brindisi · ApuliaThe crusaders embarked from ports in southern Italy, transferred via Sicily and Cyprus, and reached the Levantine coast in summer and autumn 1197, joining the garrison at Acre.
3. 1197–1198Levant · LevantThe crusaders launched a coastal offensive in the Levant, taking part in the sieges of Beirut, Sidon, and other cities; after limited gains, the death of commanders, shortage of supplies, and the vacant imperial throne led to their gradual withdrawal to Europe in early 1198.