Introduction to the Crusades

1095: Context of the Crusades

Historical Background

• The year is 1095, approximately 50 years after the Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox Church in Constantinople and the Roman Catholic Church in Rome.

• The Byzantine Empire is losing territory due to Islamic expansion, which has controlled much of the Holy Land and North Africa for over 400 years.

• The Seljuk Turks are encroaching on Byzantine lands, particularly in Anatolia, prompting Emperor Alexios I to seek assistance from Pope Urban II.

Pope Urban II's Call to Arms

• In November 1095, Pope Urban II delivers a sermon at Claremont, urging Christians to aid Byzantines against Muslims and reclaim their lands.

• He describes Muslims as a "vile race" and promises remission of sins for those who die fighting against them, introducing the concept of indulgences.

The People's Crusade

Initial Response

• Urban II's speech ignites enthusiasm across Western Europe; before formal organization can occur, Peter the Hermit leads what becomes known as The People's Crusade in 1096.

• This group consists mainly of untrained peasants who commit atrocities against Jewish communities during their journey to the Holy Land.

Outcomes of The People's Crusade

• The People's Crusade ultimately fails; they are massacred by Turkish forces upon reaching Anatolia due to lack of training and preparation.

The First Crusade: Organization and Success

Formal Military Campaign

• Following the chaos of The People's Crusade, a more organized military campaign emerges under various leaders from Western Europe.

• By 1099, this formal crusading force successfully captures Jerusalem from Muslim control amidst significant bloodshed.

Establishment of Crusader States

• After capturing Jerusalem and other territories like Antioch, Western European crusaders establish several Crusader States that remain under their control throughout most of the 12th century.

Aftermath and Consequences

Muslim Counteractions

• As time progresses into the mid-12th century, Muslim forces begin reclaiming lost cities leading up to Saladin's recapture of Jerusalem in 1187.