The First Crusade was a religious war between Christians and Muslims in the late 11th and early 12th centuries. It was launched by the Catholic Church in response to the Seljuk Turks' capture of Jerusalem and other holy sites in the Holy Land. The First Crusade was successful, and the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099 and established the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
The route of the First Crusade began in Europe, where the Crusaders were recruited from various countries, including France, Germany, England, and Italy. The Crusaders traveled overland to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. From Constantinople, the Crusaders crossed the Bosphorus Strait into Asia Minor and began their march towards Jerusalem.
The Crusaders followed the coast of Asia Minor and passed through the cities of Nicaea, Dorylaeum, and Iconium. They also encountered and defeated the Seljuk Turks at the Battle of Dorylaeum. From Iconium, the Crusaders turned south towards the Holy Land.
The Crusaders passed through the Taurus Mountains and reached the city of Antioch. Antioch was heavily fortified, and the Crusaders laid siege to the city. The siege lasted for several months, but the Crusaders eventually captured Antioch in 1098.
From Antioch, the Crusaders continued south towards Jerusalem. They crossed the Orontes River and entered the territory of the Fatimid Caliphate. The Crusaders reached the city of Jerusalem in June 1099 and laid siege to the city. The siege lasted for several weeks, but the Crusaders eventually captured Jerusalem on July 15, 1099.
The capture of Jerusalem marked the end of the First Crusade. The Crusaders established the Kingdom of Jerusalem and other Crusader states in the Holy Land. The Crusader states lasted for several centuries, but they were eventually conquered by the Muslims.