Pope Urban II

Reign: 1088 – 1099
Life: 1035–1099

He is best known for convening the Council of Clermont, which ignited the series of Catholic military expeditions known as the Crusades. Pope Urban was a native of France and a descendant of a noble family from the French commune of Châtillon-sur-Marne. Before his papacy, Urban was the grand prior of Cluny and bishop of Ostia. While the First Crusade resulted in the capture of Jerusalem and expulsion of the Fatimids, Pope Urban II died before he could receive the news.

During Pope Urban II's reign, Alfonso VI of León and Castile ruled Spain, Blot-Sweyn ruled Sweden, and Alexios I Komnenos ruled Rome.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Pope Urban II

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Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy

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