Nearly 100,000 soldiers — the flower of European chivalry — passed through Constantinople over several months. Alexios managed them with a masterful blend of friendship and saber-rattling: troops camped outside the walls, only unarmed small groups admitted, leaders kept as virtual prisoners until they swore an oath to return any former Byzantine territory they captured. He showered them with gifts, hosted banquets, even adopted some into the royal family. All but one leader swore; Alexios watched them depart with no illusions they would keep their oaths.
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Episode 14 (50 mentions)
Nearly 100,000 soldiers — the flower of European chivalry — passed through Constantinople over several months. Alexios managed them with a masterful blend of friendship and saber-rattling: troops camped outside the walls, only unarmed small groups admitted, leaders kept as virtual prisoners until they swore an oath to return any former Byzantine territory they captured. He showered them with gifts, hosted banquets, even adopted some into the royal family. All but one leader swore; Alexios watched them depart with no illusions they would keep their oaths.
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