The Crusades were religious wars between Christians and Muslims fought to control holy sites considered sacred by both groups. Between 1096 and 1291, 8 Crusades have so far been launched. In this post, we will look at some of the facts, history and myths surrounding the Crusades. Let’s go.
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What Were The Reasons For The Crusades?
At the council of Clermont in Southern France in November 1095, the Pope called on Western Christians to take up arms to aid the Byzantines and recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. So those who joined wore armed attire with a cross as a symbol of the Church. The Christian groups defended the Holy Land and protected Christian pilgrims travelling to and from the region.
When Were The Crusades?
Let’s take a look at the crusades and when they happened.
The First Crusade (1096-1099)
The Second Crusade (1147-1149)
The Third Crusade (1187-1192)
The Fourth Crusade (1202-1204)
Final Crusades (1208-1271)
The Effects Of The Crusades
- First, the Pope gained a lot of power during the Crusades. Though the Muslims defeated the Christians, the power of the church went high.
- Trade and transportation also improved throughout Europe as a result of the Crusades.
- After the Crusades, there was a heightened interest in travel and learning throughout Europe
How Many People Died During The Crusades?
The death toll of the Crusades was about two to six million people who died through the wars. This was the death toll from Western Europe.
Why Did The Crusade End?
The new part of Christians like the Protestants and Martin Luther believed that the Catholic church was using the wars to gain more power. The Protestants had no desire to fight and so concentrated on spreading the gospel rather than fighting for lands.
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