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The Crusades
Religious Warfare
The Crusades were a series of religious wars fought in today's Middle East in the first part of the 11th Century. Basically, the wars were fought between Christians and Muslims to gain control over key religious sites in and around Jerusalem. Although historians argue about the total number of wars that were fought, most agree that eight major crusades took place between 1096 and 1270.
The Crusades were significant events that had a great impact on Europe. Christian soldiers (called 'crusaders') from all over Europe took part in the wars. Common people, including youths, were also caught up in the desire to travel far away to fight in the name of Christianity. The movement of many people caused great changes - both good and bad.
Brothers, I speak as a messenger from God. Your fellow Christians in the east desperately need help. The Saracens have attacked them and have pushed deep into Christian land. They are killing great numbers of Christians. They are destroying churches and land. In the name of God, I beg you all to drive out these foul creatures.
Your own land has too many people. There is not much wealth here. The soil hardly grows enough to support you. Set out for Jerusalem. Take that land from the wicked infidel and make it your own. ​If you die on the journey or if you are killed in a battle against these Saracens all your sins will be forgiven at once. God Himself has given me the power to tell you this.
Some of you have spent too much time fighting against your fellow christians. But now you must fight the Saracens. Let bandits become soldiers. Soldiers who have been fighting for money must now fight for heavenly riches
Pope Urban II
CAUSE & EFFECT: the start of the Crusades
Jerusalem had been under Muslim control since 637CE, when it was absorbed into the growing Islamic Empire. After this time, Christian pilgrims and merchants had peacefully lived with Muslims in the region for centuries. Then, in the mid 11th century, things changed.
In 1050, a more militant Islamic group, the Seljuk Turks, took control of Jerusalem. this new Islamic regime threatened not only Christian traders and pilgrims in the region but also in the city of Constantinople, capital of the Christian Byzantine Empire. This growing threat caused the Byzantine emporer to send a plea for support to Pope Urban II in 1096. This request, in turn, motivated the Pope's response. The effect, or consequence of his response, was the start of the First Crusade.
John Green teaches you about the Crusades embarked upon by European Christians in the 12th and 13th centuries. Our traditional perception of the Crusades as European Colonization thinly veiled in religion isn't quite right. John covers the First through the Fourth Crusades, telling you which were successful, which were well-intentioned yet ultimately destructive, and which were just plain crazy. Before you ask, no, he doesn't cover the Children's Crusade, in which children were provoked to gather for a Crusade, and then promptly sold into slavery by the organizers of said Crusade. While this story is charming, it turns out to be complete and utter hooey.