But that’s getting off the point. This is about the fourth crusade — one that leaves no doubt about fighting for religious ideals.
As background, Venice by the 12th century was a world power, driven by shipping and commerce. They had knocked the pirates out of the Adriatic Sea, and then took the land on the other side of the Adriatic to achieve control of the area. They had trade representatives throughout the Middle East and Europe and had a virtual monopoly on the spice trade.
Around 1205, the pope called for another crusade, the fourth, to again try to take control of the holy land. The Crusaders approached Venice with the idea of providing transport for about 35,000. They would land in Egypt, conquer it, and Venice would have prime trading advantages throughout the area — a very good business opportunity.
13th Century Venetian Galley
