The First Crusade is estimated at about 60,000 men recruited across much of western Europe between 1096 and 1099. Naval support from Byzantium and Genoa helped supply the route from Constantinople toward the Holy Land. Byzantine contributions also included lightly armed cavalry, engineers, and naval personnel. The capture of Antioch in 1098 and Jerusalem in 1099 made the foundation of the crusader kingdoms possible. Castles then supported defense in depth and provided bases for attacks on enemy territory and supply lines.
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Maritime supply and Byzantine specialists extended the First Crusade
Ships, engineers, and other Byzantine support helped sustain a large crusading army far beyond the logistical reach of earlier western expeditions.