High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Pope Urban II (ca. 1035 – 29 July 1099), born Otho de Lagery (alternatively: Otto, Odo or Eudes), was Pope from 12 March 1088 until his death on July 29 1099. He is most known for starting the First Crusade (1096–1099) and setting up the modern day Roman Curia, in the manner of a royal court, to help run the Church.