Jerusalem falls to the First Crusade

July 15, 1099

Crusaders breached the walls and poured into the city, massacring Muslims and Jews alike. Chroniclers described blood running ankle-deep around the Dome of the Rock and in the synagogue where the Jewish community had taken shelter. Godfrey of Bouillon became Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre that day. He refused the title of king, saying he would not wear a crown of gold where Christ had worn one of thorns.