Part 12/14:
As the crusaders pushed into Asia Minor, the first major battle awaited them—the siege of Nicaea. The expedition faced challenges, from lack of preparation to orchestrating unified military action. Yet their persistence paid off. With a combination of strategy, unity, and sheer force, the crusaders achieved a significant victory against the Seljuk defenders.
The capture of Nicaea did more than restore Byzantine control over a pivotal city; it established the crusaders as a serious military force. Yet it also revealed deeper tensions. Crusaders expected spoils and glory for their efforts; instead, their victory became a point of contention as Emperor Alexios’s diplomatic maneuvers surprised and frustrated the crusading leaders.