Battles for the Holy Land The Crusades Battles for the Holy Land
Background and Players 1095 BC, William the Conqueror had united England for 30 years His feudal system cause much fighting over land Pope Urban II, “Truce of God” – No Fighting from Sunday to Wednesday Promoted Holy Crusade against Turks; 1st crusade 1096 BC Players; France, Italy, England Place; “Latin Orient” Modern Day Israel
The Crusades Begin Theology of “just war” 1st Crusade 1095-1099 Pope Urban II calls for the liberation of Jerusalem: “God Wills it” Monk Peter the Hermit fights with peasants Vast armies of 40,000 – 150,000 Knights, Bishops, Monks, Peasants
The Crusades Pope promised forgiveness of sins if you died fighting Rich plunder and Glory of battle 1097 – Three huge armies gathered outside Constantinople Many died on trek though desert to Jerusalem 12,000 knights attacked Jerusalem (some even barefoot) Muslims were fighting amongst themselves (Arab and Turks) July 15, 1099 Jerusalem was captured
Subsequent Crusades Ultimate Goal; Conqueror Holy Land 2nd and 3rd Crusade accomplished little Saladin conquered Jerusalem for Muslims in 1187 3rd Crusade (Kings’ Crusade); 3 powerful Kings of Europe on Richard I, The Lionheart, gained fame Richard fought Saladin; great respect for one another 1192 – Richard & Saladin agree to a three year truce and Jerusalem stays under Muslim control
Dwindling Spirit and Effects By the mid-1200’s spirits for Crusades dwindle Far-reaching effects Decline of papal prestige Decline in the power of nobles Decrease in Byzantine power Increase in religious tolerance