The Crusades A series of eight wars that were fought between the Christians and the Muslims over the “holy land,” Jerusalem A series of eight wars that were fought between the Christians and the Muslims over the “holy land,” Jerusalem (capital of Israel today). (capital of Israel today). Christians Muslims

Christians and Muslims Christianity – A religion whose followers believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah (prophet). Followers of Christianity are called Christians. Christianity – A religion whose followers believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah (prophet). Followers of Christianity are called Christians. There are two branches of Christianity today: Catholics and Protestants There are two branches of Christianity today: Catholics and Protestants Islam – A religion whose followers believe that Muhammad was the last prophet that God sent to earth. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Islam – A religion whose followers believe that Muhammad was the last prophet that God sent to earth. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. There are two branches of Islam today: Sunnis (90%) and Shiites (10%) There are two branches of Islam today: Sunnis (90%) and Shiites (10%)

Symbols and Current Numbers Webpage created circa January Last modified 9 August Copyright © 2007 by Adherents.com. ChristianityIslamJudaism Symbol Current Following 2.1 billion Largest 1.5 billion 2 nd Largest 14 million 6 th Largest

Christianity, Islam, &, Judaism Comparison ChristianityIslamJudaism Place Founded Palestine Saudi Arabia & Palestine Palestine FollowersChristiansMuslimsJews Date Founded 33 A.D. 622 A.D. Creation Supreme Being God – The holy Trinity Allah (God) Yahweh (God) ProphetJesusMuhammad Abraham & Moses Day of Worship SundayFridaySaturday Holy Book Bible Qu’ran (Koran) Torah House of Prayer ChurchMosqueSynagogue

What started the Crusades? The Muslims had governed Jerusalem for centuries and had allowed Christian and Jewish pilgrims into Jerusalem (economics). In the 1070’s the Muslim Turks (a different group of Muslims) conquered Jerusalem, but did not allow the Christians and Jewish pilgrims into Jerusalem & the pope wanted the Muslims out of Jerusalem The Turks also threatened the Byzantine Empire (Eastern half of the Roman Empire – Constantinople) and the Emperor Alexius asked for help from the Pope.

Byzantine Empire Jerusalem Constantinople

Alexius asks the Pope (Urban II) for help! Help us! Ok!

The Pope’s Response Pope Urban II made a speech at the Council (meeting) of Clermont in November of 1095 to make people aware of the need to win back the Holy Land. This was also a way to harness the violent energy of the knights. This started the Crusades. Pope Urban II made a speech at the Council (meeting) of Clermont in November of 1095 to make people aware of the need to win back the Holy Land. This was also a way to harness the violent energy of the knights. This started the Crusades.

Pope Urban Making His Speech

Crusaders will answer the Pope’s call! I’m a knight and I will fight!

Reasons soldiers went to fight 1) Religion -save the Holy land -God wills it -gain forgiveness of their sins 2) Wealth/personal gain -gain land -gain goods 3) Excitement and adventure 4) Prove themselves 5) Nothing to lose