Bohemond of Taranto
Most celebrated military commander of the period. A potent Norman based in sicily with a fierce rivalry with the Byzantines. In 1095 Bohemond and his nephew Tancred took the cross.
Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse
Deeply religious and powerful, one of the first to take the cross, the oldest and richest of the crusaders. He left Toulouse at the end of October 1096, with a large army and company that concluded his wife, infant son and Adhemar the bishop of Le Puy.
Robert II, Count of Flanders
Joined the first crusade in 1095, made his wife regent in Flanders.
Godfrey of Bouillon, Duke of Lower Lorraine
Godfrey had his brothers (Eustace and Baldwin) all joined the crusade together once Urban announced it on November 27th. His brothers had no land in Europe due to primogeniture so sought land in the Holy Land.
Adhemar of Le Puy, Papal Legate
The nominal leader of the crusade as Papal Legate, he represented the Pope in person. He was the bishop of Le Puy in France and was chosen due to his kindly, diplomatic nature. His journey would be dramatic.
Robert Curthouse, Duke of Normandy
Eldest son of William the Conqueror and upon his death in 1087 Robert inherited Normandy and his brother inherited England. He joined the crusade in 1095 and marched alongside his cousin Robert of Flanders and Stephen, Count of Blois.
Stephen, Count of Blois
Nephew of William the conqueror, cousin of Robert Curthouse, the duke of normandy. Stephen’s letters to hide wife survive and paint a romantic and personal picture of life on crusade.
Hugh of Vermandois
Hugh was the brother of King Phillip I of France. He was instructed by his brother to Crysade on behalf of French spirit and royalty. Hugh would be a formidable crusader.
