The Crusades

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The Crusades
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• Crusade comes from the crosses worn by
  participants
• Definition all wars undertaken in pursuance of a
  vow, and directed against infidels (Mohammedans,
  pagans, heretics, excommunicated people)

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Christendom in 11th century

• Europe divided into numerous states involved in
  petty territorial disputes
• Byzantines rapidly losing land to Muslims
• Pilgrimages to holy places are popular

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Timeline

• 1054 split between eastern and western
  Christianity
• 1070 Jerusalem taken by Turks (Muslims)
• 1096 Pope Urban II decided to undertake the
  Crusade

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The Crusades

• First Crusade (1095-1101)
• 25,000 to 30,000 people
• Plundered and slaughtered Jews and Muslims
• Regained Jerusalem
• Second Crusade (1145-47)
• Jerusalem lost to Saladin, Muslim commander

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• Third Crusade (1188-92)
• Won back land, but not Jerusalem
• Fourth Crusade (1204)
• Captured Constantinople for the Latin church
• Acquired many holy relics
• Later Crusades
• Failures
• Stopped 1291

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Impact of Crusades

• Stimulated trades and growth of towns
• Spurred demand for unique products (spices,
  sugar, silk), currency, and middle class
• Begins breakdown of feudal system
• Weakened nobility middle class, lost land,
  stronger kings
• Weakened serfdom rise of cities, debts in
  currency
• Encourages learning
• Europeans reacquainted with Greek texts
• Persecution of Jews
• Pogroms en route to Holy Land