Before the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, another less known but
equally major catastrophe shook the Hellenic Empire of Byzantium to its
foundations. Unlike 1453, Constantinople wasn't destroyed by Ottoman
Turks fighting jihad for their Prophet but by "friends" of the West
fighting under the Christian Cross.
In April 1204 Frankish and Venetian troops of the Fourth Crusade on
their way to liberate Muslim-held Jerusalem and led by the Doge himself,
treacherously sacked Constantinople leaving the City and its people in
ruins for generations to come. True there was some minor provocation.
Prince Alexios, son of Isaac II had promised the crusaders 200, 000
silver marks if they detoured to Constantinople and helped him take the
throne from his uncle Alexios III. Seeing an opportunity, the crusaders
obliged the foolish young Prince installing him as Emperor Alexios IV.
Everyone seemed happy for a while until it was time for Alexios to
pay-up for the favour.
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