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School of Divinity
Aspects of the High Middle Ages

New College

Second Crusade 1147-1149

Second Crusade Routes

Map showing the main routes followed by the second crusade

The Second Crusade was prompted by the fall of Edessa in 1144. In this case both the French under Louis VII and the Germans led by Emperor Conrad III followed the same route through Hungary and arrived in Constantinople within a month of each other in September and October 1847.

The Germans were forced back by the Turks near Dorylaion and briefly joined the French in a march down the West coast of Asia Minor. Conrad then retired to Constantinople and took a ship to Palestine whereas the French fought to Attaleia and were then ferried by Byzantines to Antioch. There was an unsuccessful siege of Damascus 24-28th July 1148 after which the Second Crusade broke up.