Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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FIRST CRUSADE

The mainly French expedition (1096-99) inspired by Pope Urban II, which ended with the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. Godfrey of Bouillon (d. 1100), who was one of the leaders of the crusade, was elected ruler of Jerusalem. He called himself "Defender of the Holy Sepulcher," refusing to call himself king or to wear a crown, "through respect for Him who had been crowned in that place with the crown of thorns."