The Crusades were a series of wars between the Catholic forces from Europe, and the Saracens (or Moslems) dwelling in the middle east. Jerusalem was considered a sacred city since Christ had been crucified, buried, and resurrected just outside of it. Many Catholics would make the trip (or pilgrimage) to various sites in Palestine to pay their respects and even do penance (the afflicting of oneself in hopes of attracting God's notice). In 1065 Jerusalem was taken by the Turks and about 3000 Catholics were massacred. This started a chain of events which contributed to the cause of the crusades.
The purpose of the crusades at first to wrest Palestine, and Jerusalem in particular, from the Saracens. In time however, this was extended to seizing Spain from the Moors, the Slavs and Pagans from eastern Europe, and the islands of the Mediterranean.
All in all there were 9 crusades. The first four are considered the most important and the others are rarely even mentioned. For a period of nearly two hundred years 1096-1272 Europe and Asia were engaged in almost constant warfare. Throughout this period there was a continuous movement of crusaders to and from the Moslem possessions in Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt.
The Crusades also gave rise to well known religious Orders of Knights like the Templars, Hospitallars, and Teutonic Knights which worked to defend pilgrims to Palestine from raiders and Saracens.
The effects of the Crusades on Europe of the Middle Ages were an important factor in the history of the progress of civilization. The effects of the Crusades influenced the wealth and power of the Catholic Church, Political matters, commerce, feudalism, intellectual development, social effects, material effects and the effects of the crusades also prompted the famous Voyages of discovery. They also introduced new but lasting products into European culture such as silk, floor rugs, and coffee.
The Crusaders were made up of upper and lower classes. Some were in search of wealth, glory, or adventure, while others hoped to be acquired of crimes they may have committed in their home country upon their return.
Here is a quick timeline:
First Crusade 1096-1099
-main objective was wresting Jerusalem in the "Holy Land" from Muslim rule and setting up a Catholic king. French-led and widely publicized by Stephen the Hermit, among others. Jerusalem was sacked and turned into a Catholic kingdom where pilgrims could journey to (somewhat) safely.
Second Crusade 1144-1155
-prepared to attack Damascus, Syria. Led by Holy Roman Emperor Conrad III and by King Louis VII of France.
Third Crusade 1187-1192
-crusade led by Richard the Lionheart of England, Philip II of France, and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I. Richard I made a truce with Saladin. Battles of Acre and Hattin took place. Saladin was the main opponent of Richard. He was a brilliant strategist and tactician, and reclaimed much of what the Saracens had lost during the first crusade.
Fourth Crusade 1202-1204
-led by Fulk of Neuil French/Flemish advanced on Constantinople and sacked it to steal its wealth.
Children's Crusade 1212
-the Children's Crusade led by a French peasant boy, Stephen of Cloyes. None of them made it to Palestine; all either turned back, died, or were captured and sold as slaves.
Fifth Crusade 1217-1221
-the 5th Crusade led by King Andrew II of Hungary, Duke Leopold VI of Austria, John of Brienne.
Sixth Crusade 1228-1229
-The 6th Crusade led by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.
Seventh Crusade 1248-1254
-The 7th Crusade led by Louis IX of France.
Eighth Crusade 1270
-led by Louis IX of France
Ninth Crusade 1271-1272
-led by Prince Edward (later Edward I of England)
References:
"The Templars" by Barbara Frale
"History of English Speaking Peoples" by Winston Churchill
"A Brief History of British Kings and Queens" by Mike Ashley
& this site on:
the Crusades
No comments:
Post a Comment