Fourth Crusade

The Fourth Crusade, also called the Latin Crusade (1202—1204), was an armed expedition of Roman Catholics (called Latins) intended to recapture Jerusalem from the Muslims by first defeating the Egyptian Sultanate. It began with the crusaders contracting with the Venetians, especially the doge Enrico Dandolo, for transportation. Because of their other debts, the Crusaders were unable to pay. So, they agreed to work as mercenaries for Dandolo, attack the rebellious city of Zara on the Adriatic coast, and bring it into submission.

Byzantine Prince Alexios Angelos then asked the Crusaders to help restore his deposed father to the throne, promising to support them in their crusade. Ultimately, the Crusaders sacked the city, destroyed much of it, looted its treasures, and sent them to Venice.