Christians: where Jesus was crucified and resurrected Jews: Zion, God’s own city, site of Solomon’s temple Muslims: 3rd holiest city, where Muhammad ascended to heaven

“Expel that wicked race from our Christian lands. Christ commands it.”

From Latin “crux” (cross) Crusaders “take up the cross” to recover Holy Land from Muslims Series of nine military expeditions

Knights: use fighting skills, adventure Possible wealth or instant salvation if killed Peasants: freedom from feudal bonds

Increase power in Europe Heal split between Roman Catholic and Byzantine/ Greek Orthodox Church Saw land in the Middle East as a good place for Europe’s growing population

1096 – 1099 Crusaders meet in Constantinople Killed Jews and Muslims on the way to capturing Jerusalem Some crusaders stay, create Palestine

1147 – 1149 Seljuk Turks (Muslim) take part of Crusader states in Palestine Crusaders fail to recover lands

1189 – 1192 Led by Richard the Lionheart of England Saladin – united Muslims, took Jerusalem in 1187 Saladin’s truce – he keeps city, allows pilgrims access

1204 Crusaders decide not to go to Jerusalem Attack Christian city of Constantinople instead

Feudalism breaks down, kings gain authority over Pope & nobles Bitterness among Muslims, Christians, and Jews Byzantine Empire weakens Interactions lead to establishment of trade networks

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain wanted to create a Christian Spain They attempt to drive all Muslims out of Spain

Inquisition court set up to try people accused of heresy Isabella targeted the Jews and Muslims in Spain Anyone who refused to convert to Christianity was tortured or burned at the stake

More than 150,000 people fled Spain in fear Religious unity was achieved in Spain, but at a huge price Spain’s economy suffered from loss of many skilled and educated people

Do you think the Catholic Church would still have advocated for the Crusades if they knew the long- term results of them? Explain why or why not.