Boniface of Montferrat and His Activities in the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract

Planned as an expedition to liberate Jerusalem from the Muslims, the Fourth Crusade became a crushing weapon, destroying Byzantium and changing the fate of the Balkans. Its leader marquis Boniface of Montferrat was one of the people, who had the greatest influence in directing the pilgrims to Constantinople. Fulfilling his vassal duty to Philip of Swabia and pursuing his ambition to restore the lands and authority of his brothers in Byzantium, he set out for the East. A brave knight, an influential seigneur, an experienced military leader, but an unscrupulous and a cruel politician, he lost the “battle” for the imperial crown of Constantinople, but won Thessaloniki. There he set the beginning of a new crusader state, which covered the lands from the Rhodope Mountains to the Peloponnese peninsula. However, his eastern adventure ended tragically. Underestimating the force and the abilities of the Bulgarians, he lost his life in battle against them.