The Great Betrayal

By Ernle Bradford

The consequences of the fall of Constantinople in 1204 to the army of the Fourth Crusade are felt to this day.

The dismemberment of the Eastern Empire by the Venetians and the Crusaders not only let the Turks into Europe; it led subsequently to the ‘Balkan problem’; and ultimately produced a favourable climate for the current division of Eastern and Western Europe.

For nine hundred years, this great Christian City, commanding the trade routes between Asia, Russia and Europe, was the bastion and guardian of civilisation, with its armies, its complicated system of treaties, and its brilliant use of diplomatic subtlety and evasion.

The destruction of Constantinople and its Empire is an appalling example of what can result from stupidity, envy and greed, political opportunism and narrow patriotism.

Ernie Bradford’s book establishes the importance of an event which has been curiously underplayed by many historians. Bradshaw is the author of ULYSSES FOUND, THE GREAT SIEGE, THE MIGHTY HOOD and DRAKE