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Godfrey of Bouillon

Type Figure Region France Time c. 1060–1100 Also known as Defender of the Holy Sepulchre

Godfrey of Bouillon was Duke of Lower Lorraine and one of the core leaders of the First Crusade.…

Timeline

  1. c. 1060–1095Bouillon · Low CountriesOf the House of Bouillon, he inherited the title of Duke of Lower Lorraine, accumulating military reputation and territorial resources in France and Lorraine, laying the foundation for later leading the crusaders.
  2. 1096–1099From Antioch to Jerusalem · LevantAnswering Pope Urban II's call, he led forces east on crusade, taking part in key battles such as the Siege of Antioch, fighting alongside commanders such as Raymond and Bohemond, gradually advancing into Palestine.
  3. 1099–1100Jerusalem · PalestineAfter capturing Jerusalem in 1099 he refused the title of king, accepting only that of 'Defender of the Holy Sepulchre', presiding over city defenses and church affairs, laying the early model of unified religious-secular rule in Jerusalem; he died of illness in 1100.

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