The Crusades had deeply-rooted causes in the social and political situation in 11th centruy Europe. However, the event which actually triggered the First Crusade was a request for assistance from Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos. Alexios was worried about the advances of the Seljuks, who had reached as far west as Nicaea, not far from Constantinople. In March of 1095, Alexios sent envoys to the Council of Piacenza to ask Pope Urban II for ...