1. Battles for the Holy Land
The Crusades
Battles for the Holy Land

2. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

9. 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