The Conquest of Constantinople - Excerpts

Geoffroi de Villehardouin was born in the 1150s, the son of a nobleman of Champagne. He became Marshal of Champagne in 1185, a position whose duties included administration, overseeing defense, arbitration, arranging campaigns and, in the absence of the lord, taking command. He was honest and religious, a good statesman and a brave soldier, qualities that enabled him to play a leading role in the Fourth Crusade.

Christians made pilgrimage to the Holy City of Jerusalem, freely practicing the...