The entrance to the Golden Horn, the harbor of Constantinople, was guarded by a chain thrown across from the city to Galata. On the Galata side, the end of this chain was protected by a tower spoken of by the Western writers as the tower or castle of Galata. The slope of the hill behind it was the Jewry of Constantinople. Near it also were probably Genoese and other Italian quarters, the whole forming already a wealthy suburb. The Crusaders encamped in the Jewish quarter, and prepared for an attack. It was necessary for the protection of the expedition that the ships should be brought within the harbor, and the Venetians urged that an attempt should be made next day to capture the tower within , , which the Galata end of the chain was fastened.

Possession of the council

And takes possession of the council of war agreed to this proposal, and determined that such an attempt should be made immediately. Fortune favored them, and gave them their first success on the following day. In early morning the ordinary guard of the tower, assisted by a detachment which had crossed the harbor, instead of remaining on the defensive, made a foolish attack upon the invading army. The Greeks were far less numerous than the enemy, and were completely overpowered by the Crusaders.

Many were killed; others were driven into the water and drowned. The remainder fled, and endeavored to regain the protection of the castle which they ought not to have left. The enemy, however, pressed them so hard that they were unable to close the gates. A severe struggle took place, and the superior weight of the knights triumphed. The castle was captured. While this attack on the watch tower had been going on by land, the Venetian ships were doing their best to break the chain which was stretched across from Galata to the city. The capture of the tower gave the army command over this chain. It The fleet is was at once broken or loosened. The fleet entered surprised. swiftly into the Golden Horn, attacked the imperial galleys, captured some, and sank the others.

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