Why did the Crusaders invade Constantinople?

Eliot Issacs

The Byzantine Empire was a Christian state, so it might seem odd that Crusaders sacked its capital in 1204 — in fact, it was regarded as a betrayal of principles out of greed. The Fourth Crusade were offered a reward by the exiled Byzantine prince Alexius if they put him on the throne. The Crusaders did so but the new emperor, now Alexius IV Angelus, was quickly murdered. The next ruler refused to pay the Crusaders, so they looted the city for three days straight, killing indiscriminately.