The Crusades were a series of religious wars between medieval apostles and Muslims to gain control of holy sites such as Jerusalem. Between 1096 and 1291, after eight expeditions, this bloody, violent and brutal conflict profoundly affected the European world.
1. The Crusades originated at the end of the 11th century, when Western Europe, although it had risen up, still lagged behind Byzantium and the Islamic world. In 1081, Alexeinius came to power in Byzantium and asked for Western assistance against the Turkish threat. Pope Urban II called for a crusade at the Council of Clermont in 1095, which marked the beginning of the campaign. The Legions responded to the call and formed several religious knightly groups, such as the Knights Templar.
2. The First Crusade (1096-1099) was led by various leaders, including Raymond, Godfrey, Hugh, and Bochmond. In 1096, the crusaders of Peter's hermit led the attack, but suffered defeat. Subsequently, the regular army arrived in Byzantium, clashed with the Turkish army, and in 1099 captured Jerusalem, but brutally ** the local population.
III. The Second Crusade (1147-1149) was led by King Louis VII of France and King Conrad III of Germany, but ultimately failed. Among them, Conrad's troops suffered heavy losses under the offensive of the Turks.
IV. The Third Crusade (1187-1192) was led by King Philip II of France and King Richard I of England, but suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Harting. Although Richard defeated Saladin, he failed to retake Jerusalem.
V. The Fourth Crusade (1202-1204) ended in the conquest of Constantinople, a battle that marked the ** between Orthodox and Catholic Christians.
6. The objectives of the subsequent crusades were more dispersed, including the eradication of heretical cults and the conquest of pagan areas. These expeditions gradually disappeared at the end of the 13th century.
The impact of the Crusades on Europe was profound. It expands the geographical scope of the religious world, but it also exacerbates hostile relations between apostulians and Muslims. In addition, the Crusades promoted European** and cultural exchanges, but also led to ongoing conflict and suffering. Although the Crusades have ended, their history and impact are still visible in the Middle East and the Western world today.