1. The Crusades

2. How did they start?
Byzantine empire still in existence (Eastern Roman Empire)
Muslims defeat the Byzantine army and take over lands in Asia Minor
Including Jerusalem
Byzantine emperor asks for help from Roman Catholic church
Pope Urban calls for a crusade to free Jerusalem

3. What happened? 10,000 soldiers, knights, peasants, nobles head east
After several years they get there
End up killing Muslims, Jews, and other Christians.
Crusaders win victories and take over cities
Including Jerusalem

4. What happened?
Over the course of the next 200 years or so multiple crusades are launched
Back and forth battles with both Crusaders and Muslims winning
Eventually Europeans stop sending troops and Muslims take back over all conquered lands

5. Some Key People
Saladin: brilliant Muslim commander. Recaptured Jerusalem book allowed it to be open for Christians willing to travel there
Richard the Lion-heart: led the 3rd crusade, agreed to the truce with Saladin

6. End Results
Helped break down feudalism
Nobles freed their serfs and sold their lands to join crusades
Helped kings build stronger central governments
Opened up trade with the Middle East