Crusades Worksheet

The Crusades 1. What were the Crusades? The Crusades were a series of Holy Wars launched by the Christian states of Europe against the Saracens. The term 'Saracen' was the word used to describe a Muslim during the time of the Crusades. In 1095, Pope Urban II delivered his infamous speech in front of a large crowd at the Council of Clermont, urging them to engage in a Christian “holy war” to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim rule. For their efforts, Urban II promised a complete remission of sins. The Pope's preaching led to thousands immediately affixing the cross to their garments - the name Crusade given to the Holy Wars came from old French word 'crois' meaning 'cross'. Thus the word "crusade" literally means "going to the Cross." The Crusades were tremendous military expeditions undertaken by the Christian nations of Europe for the purpose of rescuing the holy places of Palestine from the hands of the Muslims. 2. What was the Cause for the Crusades? The reason for the crusades was a war between Christians and Muslims which centered around the city of Jerusalem. The City Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont of Jerusalem held a Holy significance to the Christian religion. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem commemorated the hill of crucifixion and the tomb of Christ's burial and was visited by Pilgrims. In 1009, the Muslim leader al-Hakim ordered the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In 1039 his successor, after requiring large sums be paid for the right, permitted the Byzantine Empire to rebuild it. Pilgrimages were allowed to the Holy Lands before and after the Sepulchre was rebuilt, but for a time pilgrims were captured and some of the clergy were killed. The Muslim conquerors eventually realized that the wealth of Jerusalem came from the pilgrims; with this realization the persecution of pilgrims stopped. However, the damage was already done, and the violence of the Muslims in Jerusalem became part of the concern that spread the passion for the Crusades. 3. What were the Objectives of the Crusades? One of the main objectives of the crusades was at first to reclaim the Holy Land, in particular Jerusalem, from the Saracens, but in time was extended to seizing Spain from the Moors (Spanish Muslims), the Slavs and Pagans from eastern Europe, and the islands of the Mediterranean. 4. How many Crusades were there? There were approximately eight crusades. The first four crusades were seen as the most import and scant reference is made to the other crusades - with the exception of the Children's crusade which led to the decline of the crusades. For a period of two hundred years Europe and Asia were engaged in almost constant warfare. Throughout this period there was a continuous movement of crusaders to and from the Muslim possessions in the middle east, Syria, and Egypt. The first crusade, which is 5. The First Crusade considered by many to be the only successful crusade, lasted from 1095-1099, established the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, providing more lands for the crusading knights, who often travelled across Europe to try their fortunes and to visit the Holy Sepulchre. 6. The other Crusades The crusaders went to Jerusalem with one main goal in mind -- to take control of the Holy Land back from the Muslims. Despite many attempts, this goal was never reached. Small Christian states were established for a time in and around Jerusalem, but they soon returned to Muslim control. Artwork depicting the “triumphant” siege of Jerusalem during the 1st Crusade There was another loss for the crusaders too. The eastern Christian empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, fell into the hands of the Muslim Turks after the end of the Crusades. 7. The Crusaders The Crusades drew inspiration from two Christian institutions, pilgrimage and holy war: liberation of the holy places from Muslim rule partook of the character of both. Pilgrimage played an important role in Christian piety. Visiting sacred sites, revering religious relics, and penance brought (its critics would say “bought”) indulgences which promised the remission of sins. Jerusalem, central to the origins of Christian faith, was a symbol of the heavenly city of God and thus a major pilgrimage site. At the same time, the notion of holy war transformed and sacralized medieval warfare and its notions of honor and chivalry. Warriors were victorious whether they won their earthly battles or not. To rout the enemy meant honor and booty; the indulgences earned by all who fought in the Crusades guaranteed the remission of sins and entrance into paradise. To fall in battle was to die a martyr for the faith and gain immediate access to heaven despite past sins.