The Crusades     




     The 11th century brought good things to the Eastern 
Mediterranean.  There were generally no immense problems to deal with, 
as everything was in a very tranquil state.  The people who lived 
there went with the flow, but what they did not know is that they 
would soon be part of a turning point in religious history.  


	


      A large group of Christians formed a small military which was 
called the Crusaders.  They were out to recapture the Holy land from 
the Muslims, and dedicated their lives to this.  They were identified 
by red cloth that was sewn on their garments in the form of a cross.  
This indicated that they were the soldiers of Christ.  Their name, 
“The Crusaders” was derived from the Latin word crux meaning “cross,” 
this then in turn was a reference to the biblical ruling that good 
Christians always carry a cross.  


      


      The Crusaders existence was based on strong religious beliefs 
more then any of the other minor reasons they were established.  The 
Crusaders also resurrected an older tradition of the pilgrimage to the 
Holy Land, which was often imposed as a reconciliation of your-self.  
They assumed two roles: pilgrims and soliders.  Armed pilgrims would 
normally not be accepted, but in this case they were, because they 
were fighting for the Christian Holy Land.  This made the “war” 
justifiable in their eyes.  


	


       In the 7th century the Muslims took control of Jerusalem, and 
in the 11th century they began to hassle and interfere with Christian 
pilgrims and teaching in the Jerusalem area.  To the Christians 
Jerusalem was a heavenly city, the center of their existence and they 
did not take lightly to being pushed out.  The Popes encouragement, 
religious indulgences, and promise of eternal merit provoked thousands 
of Christians to enroll in this “holy” military to fight for the 
cause.  


	


       The Crusades were also a response to the cries of help from the 
Byzantine Empire, who was very worried about a gaining threat in the 
form of the Seljuk Turks.  In 1071 Jerusalem was taken and the 
Byzantine army went down at Miniskirt to the Turks.  This caused a bad 
economic state for the west and the Crusades were a last stab at 
extending trade routes and bring the Byzantine Empire to a status that 
matched a rich and flourishing Italy.  


	


       Late in the year of 1095 Pope Urban announced on Tuesday, 
November 27 that he would hold a public session to make an 
announcement.  This was the beginning of what was to be the First 
Crusade.  He thought that western Christendom should march to the 
rescue of the East. Rich and poor alike should go and they should stop 
murdering each other and instead fight a great war for what they 
really believe in. They believed it was God’s will and that God would 
lead them to victory.  During his speech many interruptions took 
place.   People yelled and rallied behind Pope Urban and other crowd 
members.  Just after the Pope ended his speech the bishop of Le Puy 
dropped to his knees and asked permission to join what was first 
called the "Holy Expedition."  The crowd quickly embraced him and many 
followed with his example.  


        


        Each man involved with the expedition was to wear a cross in 
symbolization of his dedication. Anyone who took this cross vowed to 
go to Jerusalem and fight.  By August 15th everyone who was leaving 
was to be ready. The armies meet in Constantinople.  When all arrived 
Pope Urban made clear that the crusade was under the control of the 
church, and appointed Bishop Le Puy as the their leader.  This was the 
beginning of a great movement.




       The Byzantine emperor Alexious I provided the crusaders with 
food and shelter; he also attempted to get oaths of loyalty from them 
but the crusaders that would not agree.  This caused distrust in the 
emperor.  Which lead to the fall of Constantinople.  


        


       Life during the first crusade was horrible.  Men pushed 
themselves to their limits, they pushed on because their life would be 
prosperous and joyful and they would truly befriend god when it was 
all over.  During the many years this campaign went on it finally 
ended and this letter was seen as an icon to the Crusades victory.    


This letter was translated into English:


        


       “For on the very day on which they had promised that they would 
surrender, Solomon and all the Turks, collected from neighboring and 
distant regions, suddenly fell upon us and attempted to capture our 
camp. However the count of St. Gilles, with the remaining Franks, made 
and attack upon them and killed an innumerable multitude. All the 
others fled in confusion. Our men, moreover, returning in victory and 
bearing many heads fixed upon pikes and spears, furnished a joyful 
spectacle for the people of God" 


       


       In religious terms, the Crusades, hardened Muslim attitudes 
toward Christians.  At the same time, doubts were raised among 
Christians about God's will, the church's authority, and the role of 
the papacy.  Religious commitment halted to disinterest, and 
skepticism.  On the other hand, the Crusades did stimulate religious 
enthusiasm on a broad scale.  The Crusades continued many years after 
Pope Urban originally lead them to Constantinople.  The Mediterranean 
had an addiction to warfare.  The Crusades helped some religions, but 
they had to destroy and oppress others so many question if what they 
were doing was or did further an advancement in religion. 




Written by J. Humes 


Tucson, AZ 




Sorry for the inconvenience and confusion that this may have caused 
anyone.