Pope Pius II's crusade departure for Ancona and Skanderbeg, 1464 (1464)

In 1464, Pope Pius II departed for Ancona to lead a personal crusade against the Ottomans. This initiative followed Skanderbeg's declaration of war in November 1463 and his attack on Ottoman forces near Ohrid. Pius II died at Ancona in August 1464 while crusading armies were gathering, leaving Skanderbeg alone facing the Ottomans.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Pope Pius II had previously called for a crusade against the Ottomans in 1459 and 1460. By November 1463, he sought to organize a new campaign, similar to earlier papal efforts. Skanderbeg, leader of the Albanian resistance, had made a three-year armistice with the Ottomans on 17 April 1461.

Crusade Initiative. On 18 June 1464, Pope Pius II assumed the cross and departed for Ancona to conduct the crusade in person. Separately, Skanderbeg declared war on the Ottomans on 27 November 1463 and attacked their forces near Ohrid. These events occurred within the broader context of the conflict.

Consequences. Pius II died at Ancona in August 1464 while crusading armies were gathering and preparing to march. His death at this crucial moment left Skanderbeg alone facing the Ottomans. The passages do not specify the subsequent military outcome of the crusading effort.

People involved

Sources

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