2. The Seljuk Turks Turkish Muslims who began to overrun the Christians in the Middle East during the 1000’s-1300’s.

3. Pope Urban II- called for the re-taking of the holy land from the Turks.

4. Council of Clermont: Urban II delivers a speech which starts the Crusades.

5. Alexis I Ruler of the Byzantine Empire, petitioned Urban II for help from the Turks.

6. Why get involved? Religious reasons. Wealth and land. Escape troubles at home. Yearning for adventure.

7. Motives of the Pope Urban wanted to increase the Church’s power. Wanted Christian knights fighting the Muslims instead of each other.

8. 1 st Crusade The only successful one for the Christians. Christians capture Jerusalem in 1099. Massacred Muslim and Jewish residents of the city.