Declaration of the First Crusade

Date: November 27, 1095 • Location: Rome, Italy

This milestone marked the outbreak and beginning of this historic period, which spanned 1095–1099.

Pope Urban II declares the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.

Pope Urban II, otherwise known as Odo of Châtillon or Otho de Lagery, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 12 March 1088 to his death. He is best known for convening the Council of Clermont, which ignited the series of Catholic military expeditions known as the Crusades.