The Crusades were a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims fought from the 11th to 13th century. They began as a result of the rapid spread of Islam in the Middle East, including the take over of the city of Jerusalem. Many Christians living in the area, as well as those making pilgrimages to the holy city, were being harassed and persecuted by the Muslims. Another factor that greatly contributed to the Crusades was the fear that the advancing Muslim empire would eventually invade and take over Europe, just like it had done in the Middle East. The Origins

In 1093, Emperor Alexius of the Byzantine Empire asked the Roman Catholic Church and Western Europe for help in fending off invading Muslim Turks who were trying to take over Constantinople. In 1095, Pope Urban II called for a religious war or “crusade” to take the city of Jerusalem back from the Muslims. Many Christian nobles and knights heeded this call and took up arms with others from all over Europe. He even issued a decree that stated those who fought in the Crusades would be forgiven of all of their sins and earn a spot in heaven. The Origins (cont’d)

The actual series of wars last nearly 200 years, with the Holy Land of Jerusalem changing hands between the Christians and Muslims time after time. Some crusades were more successful than others and, overall, the battles between the two forces were exceptionally violent and bloody. During the first, Crusaders briefly captured Jerusalem and a few small kingdoms nearby which became known as the Crusader States. Unfortunately, Europe and the Christians could not hold onto Jerusalem and these other conquered territories and they reverted back to Muslim possession. This included the recaptured of Jerusalem by the Muslim leader Saladin, which again led to another Crusade. The Fighting

The End of the Crusades and the Effects The constant struggle and battle for the Holy Land raged on, but eventually faded out as fewer European knights took up the challenge. This constant 200 year struggle did not come without its cost and effects: The Christians were finally pushed out of Jerusalem and leaves bitter feelings between the two religious groups for years to come. Today, Jerusalem is still a scene of religious violence. The death of so many nobles led to the decline of local lords, the weakened power of the Pope, and the rise of powerful monarchs. The Crusaders attack on Constantinople left the Byzantine Empire permanently weakened and left open to Muslim conquest in 1453. Returning knights brought back valuable spices and other goods from the Middle East. This led to an increase in trade between Europe and Asia.