Editing 1202 (section)

==== Fourth Crusade ====
* [[April]]&ndash;[[May]] &ndash; The bulk of the Crusader army gathers at [[Republic of Venice|Venice]], although with far smaller numbers than expected: about 12,000 men (4–5,000 knights and 8,000 soldiers) instead of 33,500 men. Several contingents decide to make their own way to the [[Holy Land]] by different routes. A Crusader fleet, sailing from [[County of Flanders|Flanders]], carrying supplies for the Counts [[Baldwin I, Latin Emperor|Baldwin IX]] and his brother [[Henry of Flanders]], winters in [[Marseille]], but is slowed by adverse weather. Later it sails on to the [[Middle East]], along with other contingents from southern [[France in the Middle Ages|France]].<ref>[[David Nicolle]] (2011). Osprey: Campaign – Nr. 237. ''The Fourth Crusade 1202–04. The betrayal of Byzantium'', p. 44. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-319-5}}.</ref>
* Summer &ndash; The Crusader army, encamped on the island of [[Lido di Venezia|San Niccolo di Lido]], between the [[Venetian Lagoon]] and the [[Adriatic Sea]], is threatened by Doge [[Enrico Dandolo]] to keep them interned unless full payment is made as agreed in [[1201]]. As the Crusaders wait on the Lido for men to arrive, they also use up food supplies that Venice has agreed to supply. Dandolo faces a financial catastrophe, having halted Venice's commerce for a year to prepare the expedition. The Crusader lords can offer Dandolo only 51,000 silver marks.<ref>David Nicolle (2011). Osprey: Campaign – Nr. 237. ''The Fourth Crusade 1202–04. The betrayal of Byzantium'', p. 44. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-319-5}}.</ref>
* [[September 8]] &ndash; Enrico Dandolo takes the cross and agrees to lead a Venetian force, which, in an outburst of Crusading enthusiasm, reaches some 21,000 men – the largest contingent of the [[Fourth Crusade]]. He proclaims the debts will be wiped if the Crusaders take the 'rebel' Dalmatian city of Zara (modern-day [[Zadar]]) which has pledged its loyalty to [[Emeric, King of Hungary|Emeric]], king of [[Kingdom of Hungary|Hungary]] and [[Croatia in personal union with Hungary|Croatia]]. The Zara proposal causes disquiet in the Crusader ranks and also upsets [[Pope Innocent III]] who threatens to excommunicate those who attack Zara.<ref>David Nicolle (2011). Osprey: Campaign – Nr. 237. ''The Fourth Crusade 1202–04. The betrayal of Byzantium'', p. 45. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-319-5}}.</ref> 
* September &ndash; Byzantine Prince [[Alexios IV Angelos|Alexios Angelos]] sends representatives from [[Verona]] to the Crusader leaders in Venice. He promises to submit the [[Greek Orthodox Church]] to papal obedience and to provide the Crusade with 200,000 silver marks, together with provisions for a year. Alexios also will contribute 10,000 mounted soldiers to the expedition. In return he wants the Crusade to overthrow his uncle, the Byzantine emperor [[Alexios III Angelos]].<ref>David Nicolle (2011). Osprey: Campaign – Nr. 237. ''The Fourth Crusade 1202–04. The betrayal of Byzantium'', pp. 45–46. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-319-5}}.</ref>
* [[November 10]]&ndash;[[November 24|24]] &ndash; [[Siege of Zara]]: The Crusaders under [[Boniface I, Marquis of Montferrat|Boniface of Montferrat]] besiege and conquer Zara (modern-day [[Zadar]]) in [[Dalmatia]]. Despite letters from Innocent III forbidding such an action, and threatening [[excommunication]]. The leading citizens of Zara hang banners of crosses along the outer walls, professing their Catholic faith. Nevertheless, the Crusaders breach and sack the city, killing many.<ref>David Nicolle (2011). Osprey: Campaign - Nr. 237. ''The Fourth Crusade 1202–04. The betrayal of Byzantium'', pp. 46–48. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-319-5}}.</ref>
* Winter &ndash; Innocent III excommunicates the Crusader army, along with the Venetians, who winter at Zara. Many Crusaders, including some senior men, either abandon the Fourth Crusade or make their own way to the Holy Land. However, the majority remain in Zara, where the army receives some welcome reinforcements. During the winter, negotiations continue with Alexios Angelos.<ref>David Nicolle (2011). Osprey: Campaign – Nr. 237. ''The Fourth Crusade 1202–04. The betrayal of Byzantium'', p. 48. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-319-5}}.</ref>