The Empire of Trebizond: Byzantine Offshoot of Great Power and Wealth
The Empire of Trebizond Rises After The Fourth Crusade The foundation of the Empire of Trebizond (also known as the Trapezuntine Empire) is closely tied to the Fourth Crusade. Following the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187 AD, and the subsequent failure of the Third Crusade in capturing the holy city, the Fourth Crusade was promoted by Innocent III, who became pope in 1198 AD. Like the preceding crusade, the original aim of the Fourth Crusade was to capture Jerusalem. This time, however, the strategy of the crusaders was to first conquer Egypt, the heart of the most powerful Mus...