Michael Baizerman Author

Currently, I am meticulously filtering the data for a new chapter, where the insights of Geoffrey of Villehardouin and Robert of Clari play a pivotal role.  Villehardouin, being intimately connected to the crusade leadership, provides us with invaluable insights into the treaties, secret meetings, war councils, and military tactics. On the other hand, Robert of Clari, an ordinary knight with a burning desire to liberate Jerusalem, serves as our window into the mood of the crusading host, military collisions, and the partition of the booty.  I am still determining the plot, but it should include a description of the main events of the Fourth Crusade and its implications on the political climate in the Eastern Mediterranean and the emergence of the Venetian Empire.  My latest scholarly endeavor involves translating my article, The Byzantine Contribution to Maritime Warfare, and preparing an engaging Zoom lecture on the same topic. This work is a testament to my commitm...

I continue assessing the data collected on the Fourth Crusade, especially its diversion to Constantinople and the sack of the Queen of Cities. I began writing notes, groping my way to understanding the events.  Donald E. Queller & Thomas F. Madden's "The Fourth Crusade: The Conquest of Constantinople"  traces the whole enterprise from its proclamation by Pope Innocent to the inception of the Latin Empire on the ruins of Byzantium. I accept the author's conclusion that found no clues for the malicious plot on the part of Venetians or Philip of Swabia against the Eastern Roman Empire. I disagree with those who search the Roman emperors to blame for the destruction of their power. Though politicians tend to make erroneous decisions, the diversion of the Crusade was a gamechanger ushering in a vicious circle of crime.  Now, I reread Geoffrey of Villehardoiun's chronicle about the conquest. He seems to be a knowledgeable source for the train of events. We can rely ...