1. “Deus Vult” God Wills it
THE CRUSADES
“Deus Vult” God Wills it

2. What were the Crusades
Crusade = “To the Cross” Christian Holy War. Jihad Holy War in Islam
1st , 2nd 3rd Crusades Purpose to gain control of Jerusalem. Holy Land – Home of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of the Rock.
Other Crusades, up to 7 including the Children’s Crusade, would fight for other cities . For about 250 – 300 years

3. Western Europe Prior To Crusades A New Sense of Confidence.
Vikings raids over. Vikings converted to Christianity
People moved back to cities. Less self contained economies trade
Europe was growing more powerful under willing to fight in the Middle East rather than being fought by Muslims in their lands battle of Tours and Spain.
Power of the Papacy has grown under Pope Gregory and Continued under Urban
People fear god – very concerned for their souls. Religion if first and foremost on their minds open to manipulation and exploitation.

4. Why Alexius Writes to Urban 2nd Alexius Requesting “
Why Alexius Writes to Urban 2nd Alexius Requesting “..a few “Well Trained Knights” From Urban 2nd ?
Byzantine Empire being invaded by Seljuk Turks Gaining more territory
Christian pilgrims Going to the Holy Land
were attacked by warring Turks and Brigands
Byzantine Empire
feared attack on
Constantinople

6. Urban’s Political Motive
U. Politically seized opportunity of A’s letter for help. Goal: to gain control of both Holy Roman and Byzantine Empire!! And all land in between.
Instead of giving a few WTKs
Plan to overwhelm Alexius with a huge army that would over run Constantinople and take Jerusalem.
Urban’s outcome. Unite Empire, Alexius lose power Urban - World leader!!!

7. Urban’s Speech
1095 Claremont France: Pope Urban II called for the defeat of the Seljuk Turks, returning the Holy Land to the Christians.
Uses all element of a persuasive speech. Calls for “all able body persons” Again not what “A” wanted
Uses this speech to launch the Peasant/Peoples and First Crusade Read Transcript

8. Peasants/ People Crusade)
Who Answered the Call?
Feudal Lords
Knights
Peasants/ People Crusade)

9. What does Urban Offer to go on the Crusade?
Urban calls for all able bodies to wear the cross (united as one)
Remission of sins. Self and family
Eternal life in heaven
Financial Losses would be rewarded 100 fold
Save Jerusalem for the “accursed race”
Allow safe pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Land captured and booty kept economic incentives mostly for Knights
Adventure

10. Peasant/ Peoples Crusade
Lead by Peter the Hermit in 1095, and yes even a goose and goat!!! no preparations.
They claimed that a certain goose was inspired by the holy ghost, and a she-goat filled with no less than the same, and they had made these their leaders for this holy journey to Jerusalem; they even worshipped them excessively, and as the beasts directed their courses for them in their animal way many of the troops believed they were confirming it to be true according to the entire purpose of the spirit.' [1]
Peasants dropped everything and went on the Crusade.
Killed Jews in Germany (anti Semitism) many others along the way.

11. Peasant Crusade Cont. Ravaged towns for food and supplies
Killed Christians who they thought were Muslims as they traveled farther East (looked like Muslims!!)
Up to 60,000 by the time of meeting the Turks a real army
Wiped out by the Turks. 60,000 in a single day

12. The Real Crusaders Knights prepare for a year
Strategy: Take back Christian cities Nicaea, Acre and Antioch before Jerusalem

14. Alexius out smarts Urban
Alexius realizes Urban’s plans when tens of thousands show
Makes knights take loyalty oath to giving all captured lands to Alexius
Quickly moves knights across the Bosporus sea as they come to Constantinople

15. Jerusalem After 3 years in 1099 Knights seize Jerusalem
Massive killing as told by Gesta, Raymond, Fulcher
Will control Jerusalem for 91 years until Saladin recaptures it for Islam
Urban died 6th months before this day

16. Did Urban achieve his Goal
Yes that his knights captured Jerusalem
No in that he died 6th months before the capture of Jerusalem
No in that he did not unite the two Christian Empires under his or the West’s Control
Many killed and crimes committed along the way
Lead for instability in the region for years to come

17. Results of the Crusades
Western Europe opens trade again
Brought back books of classical Greece and Rome
Knowledge leads to the Renaissance
Banking System is created so cash is not needed. Extends into future trade
Western Europeans would enter age of exploration and dominate world
Mistrust of both Muslims and Europeans will continue to this day

18. Second Crusade
Saladin leads the Muslim Turks to victory, defeating the Christians 1187
* He was considered a very wise ruler. He was known for his sometimes kind treatment of fallen enemies. Many Christians saw him as a model of knightly chivalry.
Christian attempts to take Jerusalem fail

19. Third Crusade ( )
Richard the Lion Heart captures cities before turning on Jerusalem Wants to intimidate Saladin
King Richard of England and Muslim leader Saladin meet historically to make agreement to keep the city open to all pilgrims and keep peace.
Both understood that without this agreement there would be endless fighting.

21. Crusades Continue Through 13th century
Several more crusades attempted with no victories for the Christians
Children’s crusade, - 30,000 soldiers - Most of them under 12 years old – Never made it to the Holy Land