The Crusades

Role of Church in Middle Ages Never was there a time when the Church was so powerful in Western Civilization. The Church was led by popes. Priests and nuns converted, gave care to people

Role of Church Monks were spiritual leaders (obviously) They lived in monasteries that acted like trade schools and YMCAs

Role of Church They spent years transcribing the Bible since the printing press wasn’t used in Europe yet.

Churches and Cathedrals during the Middle Ages

Role of Church Since there was no one strong empire or kingdom, the Church was one organization that had respect and power. Popes were more powerful than kings!

Crusades The Crusades were a series of battles between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East. Christian knights wanted to take the Holy Land and give it back to Christians

Why was Constantinople so important geographically?

Crusades Thousands of knights and “barbarian” soldiers united under Christianity attacked Muslims and Jews in Turkey and Jerusalem to gain the land for Christians.

The Crusades There were a total of 7 Crusades 1st Crusade began in 1059; final one ends in 1272 Crusaders marched to Constantinople killing and looting along the way Christian Crusaders take control of Jerusalem in 1099 Need 2nd Crusade to hold on to it Jerusalem falls to Muslims in 1187 4th Crusade: Western Crusaders fought other Byzantine (Eastern) Crusaders instead of Muslims. Constantinople was captured and looted by the Western Crusaders. In the END CHRISTIANS DID NOT HAVE CONTROL of the holy land but were aloud to coexist under Muslim rule.

The Arab World The Arab world was relatively peaceful and civilized at the time. An Arab gentleman was expected to be a… poet philosopher and a warrior. Jerusalem itself was a multicultural city. Jews, Muslims and Christians all lived together harmoniously. Christians on pilgrimages to Jerusalem were freely allowed across to the Holy Places When the Crusades arrived in Northern Turkey, the carnage began. Lycea was captured and looted. babies cut to pieces; old people were tortured. Unfortunately, most of the inhabitants of Lycea were actually Christians…

Impact of the Crusades Persecution of Jews and Muslims Increased Trade Kings and popes, gained power A wider world view Increased money economy Bitter religious hatred toward others