While the first three Crusades were launched in an effort to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslims, the Fourth Crusade, begun in 1202, pitted Christians against Christians: Roman Catholics against Orthodox.

Instead of reaching Jerusalem, the Fourth Crusade diverted to Constantinople, culminating in the sack of the Byzantine capital in 1204. This episode examines how political ambition and financial ...

At Zara, a desperate crusader leadership accepted an extraordinary offer from Prince Alexius that promised money, unity, and imperial power. This moment marked the true turning point of the Fourth ...