The Crusade : (1095-1291)

Introduction:

The crusades were a series holy wars or military expeditions undertaken by the Christians in the
Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries for the recovery of holy land i.e Palestine, particularly
the city of Jerusalem from the Muslim. The Knights who fought in the Christian holy wars
against the Muslims in these wars were called the crusades.

Background:

The Arab expansion in the seventh and early eight centuries threatened both Eastern and Western
Europe. Arabs had annexed Jerusalem in 650 CE, the most important and holy places of the
Christians. Another attempt to capture Constantinople (the capital of Byzantine Empire) occurred
in 717 CE, which was unsuccessful. The Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire) was
attacked and drove away by the Seljuk turks (new Islamic power in the 11th century) and also
annexed Anatolia, which is considered as the wealthiest and most productive part of the empire.

Thus by the end of the 11th century, the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus (1081-1118 CE)
appealed to the Roman Catholic Church for military aid against the Muslim Turks. The Roman
Catholic Church sympathized, partly because the Turks threatened the Orthodox Church but
mainly because the Muslims controlled Palestine, the Holy land and molested Christian pilgrims.

Consequently, Pope Urban II, at the council of Clermont in 1095 CE, summoned Western
Christendom to wrest the Holy land from the Muslims by waging a religious war, or crusade.
Since the war started on the issue of the capture of the Holy city of Jerusalem and assumed
religious colour, it was therefore termed as ‘Crusades’ by the Christians and Jihad by the
Muslims.

Why did Pope Urban II call for a Crusade?

1. To help the Byzantine Empire: The Byzantine Emperor Alexios I asked the pope for
help. His Empire was being attacked by Muslim Seljuk turks. The Pope saw this as a
chance to unite Christians.(Catholics in the West and Orthodox in the East)
2. To recapture Jerusalem and the Holy Land: Jerusalem and nearby areas were very
holy to Christians. They were under Muslim rule.The Pope wanted Christians to take
them back, especially Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified.
3. To unite Europe under the Church: Europe was full of fighting between Kings and
Nobles. The pope thought a Crusade would unite Christians to fight a common enemy
instead of fighting each other. It would also increase the Pope’s power over all of Europe.
4. To gain fame and power for the church: Leading a successful Holy war would make
the pope and Church more powerful. The Church wanted to spread Christianity and
reduce the influence of Islam.

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Thus Pope Urban II assured through this Holy War that anyone who joined would go to heaven
and be forgiven for their sins.

Many Christians joined or cooperated with the Pope’s plea as;

a) Religious persons believed that ‘God wills it’.

b) Christians believed that their sins will be forgiven by obeying the orders of the pope.

c) Some nobles wanted to acquire new lands and get rich.

d) Middle class merchants wanted to increase trade

e) Serfs seeking escape from the feudal oppression and

f) Some who welcome adventures, travel and excitement.

General causes for the rise of Crusades:

1.Religious zeal and papal influence:

-The desire to reclaim Jerusalem and other holy sites from Muslim Control

-The promise of spiritual rewards, including indulgence and absolution from sins, offered by the
church.

-The influence of the Pope Urban-II, who call called for the first crusade in 1095.

2. Political and territorial Ambitions:

-European nobles sought to gain land, wealth and power.

-The fragmentation and internal conflicts within Europe Prompted leaders to unite against a
common enemy.

3. Economic motives:

-The control of trade routes and economic opportunities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

-The chance for younger sons of nobility, who were unlikely to inherit land, to establish their
own estates.

4. Socio-cultural factors:

-The concept of chivalry and the Knightly duty to protect Christian lands and pilgrims.

-A growing population in Europe leading to the need for new lands and resources.

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5.Strategic and defensive reasons:

-The defence of the Byzantine Empire against Turkish expansion.

-The desire to push back against the advance of Islam into Europe.

Objectives of the crusades:

1. The liberation of Eastern Christians and liberation of a place (Jerusalem) from Muslim
domination.

2. Another objective was to bring back the orthodox church of the Eastern Europe into
communion with the papacy.

However, the most significant motive was religious, that is to win back Jerusalem from the
Muslim control as it was considered as the holiest city of the Christians, being the homeland of
Jesus.

The period from 1095-1291 CE, which covers almost a period of 200 years, there were seven
major crusades of which the most significant were the first, third and the fourth crusades. The
crusades affected religious, political, economic and cultural life of Europe.

The first Crusades: 1096-1099 CE.

Before the real army set out, a group of ordinary people led by Peter the Hermit marched early in
1096 CE. They were poorly trained and had no plan. Most of them were killed by the Turks
before reaching Jerusalem.

The main crusading armies were led by powerful European Nobles in 1098 CE. Some important
leaders are; Godfrey of Bouillon, Bohemond of Taranto, Raymond of Toulouse, Robert of
Normandy. It was a well organized military expedition of about 30,000-40,000 crusaders. Its
outstanding leader was Godfrey of Bouillon (Belgium).

Major events:

1. Journey to the Holy Land: Crusaders marched thousands of miles through Europe,
Hungary and the Byzantine Empire. Many died of Hunger, disease, and attacks.
2. Seize of Nicaea (1097): It was the first major battle. The crusaders, with the help from
the Byzantine army, captured Nicaea from the Turks.
3. Battle of Dorylaeum (1097): Crusaders were ambushed by Turks. They fought bravely
and Won.
4. Seize of Antioch (1097-1098): Antioch was a strong Muslim city with huge walls. The
seize of the city lasted for 7 months. Crusaders suffered from starvation and disease.

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 However, the crusaders were able to capture Antioch with the help of a traitor who
opened a gate. Soon after, Muslim army attacked Antioch, but the crusaders defended it.
5. The seize of Jerusalem: (1099): The Crusaders moved south towards Jerusalem.
Jerusalem had strong walls. Crusaders built towers and ladders to get over the walls.
After a month of fighting, they broke through on July 15, 1099. After the victory, the
Crusaders created a new Christian Kingdom called the ‘Kingdom of Jerusalem’.
Godfrey of Bouillon became the first ruler, but he refused be called “King” and instead
used the title “Defender of the Holy Sepulchre”.

Other crusaders states were also set up in the areas like Edessa, Antioch and Tripoli.

The second Crusade (1147-1149)

The main reason for the Second Crusade was the fall of the city of Edessa in 1144 CE.

Edessa was one of the first Crusaders states (Christian-controlled areas in the Middle East)
created during the first crusade. In 1144, Muslim forces led by Zengi, a powerful Muslim leader,
captured Edessa. This shocked Europe. It showed that the even the other Crusaders states were
Vulnerable and could be attacked by the Muslims in the future. Thus Pope Eugenius III called
for a second crusade to take back Edessa and protect the remaining Christian territories.

Who participated in the second crusade?

The second crusade was led by two powerful European Kings; King Louis VII of France and
Emperor Conrad III of Germany.

They were joined by thousands of Knights, soldiers and religious pilgrims from all over Europe.
A famous preacher, Bernard of Clairvaux, encouraged many to join.

Events.

The armies traveled through Europe to reach Edessa (Middle East). The Journey was long and
difficult. Many soldiers died from hunger, disease or attacks.

The Seize of Damascus (1148): Instead of attacking Edessa, the crusaders tried to capture
Damascus, a Muslim city near Jerusalem. This attack failed badly. After only 4 days, the
crusaders gave up and retreated.

The second crusade was a complete failure. The Crusaders did not capture any new land. Edessa
remained under Muslim control.

Why did the second Crusade failed?

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The crusaders were not well organized. The French and German armies did not work together
smoothly. Local people in the Byzantine Empire were not supportive. The crusaders were
defeated in several battles on their way.

The failure of the second crusade made Muslim more confident. It set te stage for the future
conflicts, including the third crusades.

The Third Crusade (1189-1192)

Nearly 100 years later, in 1187 CE, Jerusalem was captured by the Muslims, led by its leader,
Saladin/Salauddin. Thus Pope Gregory VIII called for the Third Crusade.The main goal was to
take back Jerusalem which was taken by the Muslim.

This crusade is also known as the ‘Kings’ Crusade’ because it was led by three most powerful
kings of Europe.

1. Frederick Barbarossa of Germany,

2. Philip Augustus (Philip II) of France and

3. Richard, the Lion Hearted of England.

Events

1. Frederick Barbossa’s Journey: Fredrick led a huge army over land through Europe.
Sadly, he drowned in a river in Modern-day Turkey before reaching the Holy Land. Most
of his army went back home after his death.
2. Philip II and Richard the Lionheart (France and England)
They traveled by sea and arrived safely in Middle East. But they did not always get
along. After some disagreements, Philip II went back to France, leaving Richard in
charge.
3. Richard’s Campaign against Saladin: Richard the Lionheart was a skilled military
leader. He fought several battles against Saladin.
Seize of Acre (1191): Richard helped capture the important city of Acre from the
Muslim. It was a big victory for the crusaders.
Battle of Arsuf (1191): Richard defeated Saladin’s army in a large open battle. But even
though Richard won some battles, he could not recapture Jerusalem.

Peace Treaty

In 1192, Richard and Saladin made a truce (peace treaty)

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According to the agreement made, Jerusalem would stay under Muslim control and the Christian
pilgrims could visit the city freely and safely. This treaty led to a temporary peace between the
two sides.

The third crusade failed to recapture Jerusalem. However, it did help the crusaders keep control
some coastal cities like Acre.

The fourth crusades: 1204 CE

The Fourth Crusade launched by Pope Innocent III is intended to win back control of Jerusalem
from the Muslims.

The Fourth Crusade was originally planned as a Christian mission to recapture Jerusalem from
Muslim control. However, instead of fighting Muslims, the Crusades attacked and looted
Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine Empire.

How did this happen?

At first, the plan was to go to Egypt. Thus the Pope and Western Europeans crusaders planned to
attacked Muslim-held Egypt, then move towards Jerusalem. To reach Egypt, they needed ships,
so they made a deal with the city of Venice to provide transport.

However, the crusaders couldn’t pay Venice for the ships. The Venetian leaders, looking for
profit, persuaded them to attack Christian cities instead to settle their debt. They first attacked
Zara, a Christian city, angering the Pope.

Attack on Constantinople (1204): A Byzantine prince, Alexios IV, promised the crusaders
money and support if they helped him take the throne. The Crusaders marched to Constantinople,
but after political Choas, Alexios was killed and they were not paid. Angry and desperate for
wealth, the crusaders stormed and looted Constantinople. They destroyed churches, stole relics,
and even killed fellow Christians.

When Pope Innocent III hears how the Crusaders looted Constantinople, he becomes furious.
However, The Pope was shocked but did little to stop it. For over 50 years, the Western
crusaders ruled Constantinople, creating a Catholic-led Latin Empire (1204-1261)

The Children's Crusade (1212)

Before the Fifth Crusade officially started, a strange and sad event happened, called the
Children’s Crusade. It was not an official crusade like the other, but more of a spontaneous
movement. It was called Children’s Crusade because of the perceived Youth and innocence of
the participants

What was it?

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  In 1212, thousands of young children and teenagers in France and Germany believed
they could peacefully reclaim Jerusalem where armies had failed.
 They thought God would help them because they were pure and innocent.

Two main groups:

In France, led by a boy named Stephen of Cloyes (age around 12). In Germany, led by a boy
named Nicholas of Cologne.

What did they do?

 Thousands of children marched toward the Mediterranean Sea.

 They believed the sea would miraculously part so they could walk to the Holy Land. It
was their belief that as they are innocent, purity and have faith, God would perform a
miracle for them. But the sea did not part..

What happened to them?

 Some children starved or died from exhaustion during the journey.

 Many were tricked by evil merchants: They were sold as slaves in places like North
Africa and the Middle East.
 Very few ever returned home.
 Most historians agree: it was not an official crusade — it was a tragedy based on
misunderstanding and religious passion.

The fifth Crusade:( 1217 to 1221):

Soldiers from Germany, Hungary, Austria, Italy, and other European countries.Religious
leaders like the Pope also strongly supported it. Leaders included King Andrew II of Hungary,
Duke Leopold VI of Austria, and later John of Brienne (King of Jerusalem).

Why Did It Happen?

After the Fourth Crusade failed and instead attacked Christian cities (like Constantinople),
people wanted a "proper" Crusade again. Pope Innocent III started planning it but died before it
launched. Pope Honorius III continued and officially organized the Fifth Crusade. The idea
was: "Attack Egypt first because Egypt controls Jerusalem."

What Happened During the Fifth Crusade? (Events)

1. First Attempts (1217–1218):

o Crusaders arrived in the Holy Land but had no clear plan.
o They mainly attacked smaller Muslim-held towns but didn’t gain much.

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 2. Siege of Damietta (1218–1219):
o Crusaders decided to attack Damietta, an important Egyptian city near the Nile
River.
o Big battle: After a long siege of 1.5 years, the Crusaders captured Damietta in
November 1219.
3. Muslim Response:
o Sultan Al-Kamil tried to negotiate.
o He offered a deal: If the Crusaders returned Damietta, he would give Jerusalem
back peacefully.
o But the Crusaders refused. They wanted full victory, not negotiations.
4. March to Cairo (1221):
o Feeling confident, the Crusaders decided to march toward Cairo, Egypt’s capital.
o Disaster struck:
 The Nile flooded.
 Crusaders got stuck in the muddy land.
 Muslim forces trapped them.
 Many Crusaders surrendered or died.
5. End of the Crusade:
o Crusaders were forced to return Damietta to the Muslims to save their lives.
o They went back to Europe defeated and empty-handed in 1221.

In AD 1229, the sixth crusade began under the leadership of Frederick –II, Emperor of Holy
Roman Empire and king of Sicily. The sixth crusade was not successful; the crusaders armies
failed multiple times to make any significant tactful or strategic victories. In 1244, the Muslims
besieged and captured Jerusalem. The Christians once again surrendered Holy City (Jerusalem)
together and Bethlehem to the Muslims.
The lost of Jerusalem in 1244, stirred Christians to make the final attempts to recover the
remnants of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The last two crusades were led by Louis IX of France.
But nothing was achieved during the last crusade, while on the way to Palestine, Louis IX died.
In 1291 A.D the remaining stronghold of the Christian dominated regions too falls before the
advancing armies of the Muhammadans (Muslims).

EFFECTS OF THE CRUSADES:

The consequence of the crusades have been widely analysed by scholars and there is a near
unanimity that in political, economic as well as religious terms, its impact was more negative
than positive on Europe. Because the crusades wrought great changes in Western European life,
they mark the beginning of the end of the middle Ages.

I) Broadened peoples’ outlook:

The crusaders were exposed to the advanced Muslim and Byzantine civilizations. They observed
powerful governments, great cities, flourishing trade, prosperous industry and progress in Art

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and Sciences. The crusaders also increased geographical knowledge. Upon returning home, they
introduced new ideas and tastes.

II) Stimulated Trade and Towns:

The crusades increased European demand for Eastern products; spices, sugar, silk, rugs, paper,
glassware and precious stones. Throughout Western Europe, trade increased, money replaced
barter system, and towns grew in number and size. The Italian cities also grew richer by
furnishing supplies to the crusaders.

III) Strengthened the Knights or central Governments.

The crusades increased the King’s powers by

a). Weakening the Nobility:

Some nobles sold their lands raised money for the crusades, thereby losing their base of feudal
power. Many nobles were killed in the crusades, thus removing threat to royal power.

b). Stimulating trade:

Since trade requires a central authority to provide law and order, the rising merchant class
opposed the feudal lords and supported the kings.

IV) Weakened serfdom:

The crusaders enabled many serfs to escape from feudalism.

Some serfs gained freedom by joining Crusades, Other serfs paid for the use of the Lord’s land in
money rather than in products and services. Slowly the relationship between the serfs and lords
evolved into the relationship of tenant and landlord. Still other serfs fled to the growing towns.
After a year and the day undetected, the serf became legally free.

V). Encouraging Learning:

The Crusades stimulated European interest in Education by showing that the Byzantines and the
Muslims had preserved and utilized Greco-Roman Knowledge, maintained great universities and
advanced in Mathematics, science, literature and art.

VI). The Crusades took a terrible toll of human lives, mostly those of the Christians who
perished along the way in the Balkan Peninsular or in Asia Minor.

VII).Though the Crusades checked the spread of Islam in the Near East, yet this check was only
temporary. In the fourteenth century, another Turkish tribe, after having adopted Islam, took up
the invasion.