What was the central event of the First Crusade?

The central event of the First Crusade was the capture of Jerusalem. This pivotal moment occurred in 1099, marking a significant achievement for the Crusaders, who aimed to reclaim the holy city for Christianity. The siege of Jerusalem lasted for weeks, with the Crusaders finally breaching the city's defenses and taking control after a fierce battle. The fall of Jerusalem not only symbolized the culmination of the Crusade but also had far-reaching implications for Christian-Muslim relations and the subsequent history of the region.

While the Treaty of Jerusalem, the loss at the Battle of Antioch, and the establishment of the Knights Templar were important developments during the Crusade, they did not carry the same weight of significance as the capture of the city itself. The success in Jerusalem was viewed as a validation of the Crusaders' efforts, providing a substantial morale boost for Christian forces and setting the stage for future Crusades.