Crusades

Crusades (def. from class): "Church's effort to reclaim the Holy Lands from Muslim control."

Map: Atlas p. 30-31

Pages From Sourcebook Covered: p. 37-43 

Key Ideas:

-1095-1291 C.E.

-The Christians wanted to connect the separated empires and create one force to defeat the Muslims.

-A total of 8 major expeditions.

-Around 1,000,000 dead (including both sides)

-"Take Up The Cross" -> join the Christian side of the war and fight.

-Christians invaded Jerusalem July 7, 1099. (around 10,-20,000 Muslims killed). 

-Christians have control of Holy Lands for about 80 years. 

-Military genius, Saladin, starts running the war for the Muslims - eventually winning over Jerusalem and Acre. 

-Saladin leaves his land open to Christian pilgrims and other travelers.

-Richard "The Lion-Heart" regains control of Acre in 1191 because of his use of portable 'ladders' or 'stairs', per say. Acre is the last Christian foothold in the Holy Land.

-Saladin and Richard eventually declare peace.

-Ends up just how it began, total Muslim control of Holy Lands.

Key Documents:

Pope Urban II (Roman)

- Says Christians are chosen by God to rule the Holy Lands

- Uses some reverse psychology to convince the Franks to join the war.

Pope Eugenius III (Roman)

- Christians are now desperate for fighters.

- Uses money to convince them to join; also stopping their interest on bank loans, etc. 

- Church will take over everything you owe to your lord.

- You can leave the futile system to fight and still have your place in society, like you never left.

- Promises forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Ekkenhard of Aurach (German)

- More reasons to join the crusade efforts.

- A push and pull factor to the war; no reason to stay in France.

Norman Cantor (Historian, 1973)

- Cantor's thesis: Most think that the crusades reopened trade, but in reality, trade never stopped between Italy and the Byzantine Empire.

- Crusades were just a justification for war and violence.

Map Below is the Map on p. 30-31 ---