What were the crusades and why were they fought?

Answer 1

Between 1096 and 1291 eight Crusades were fought. Jerusalem was a holy place for three religions -- the Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions. For the Jewish, it was the place where one of their fore fathers, Solomon had built his temple. For Muslims, it was where their prophet Muhammad was taken back to heaven. For Christians, it was the place where Jesus preached and was crucified. For many years Muslim Arabs had control over Jerusalem and they allowed Christian pilgrims to travel through and live there in peace. They even allowed them to build their churches. Then in 1050 a group of Turkish Muslims took control over Jerusalem. They did not tolerate the Christians and many were killed. The Muslims even burned down the churches that the Christians had built. The remaining Christians that were still in Jerusalem sent the worrying news back to the Pope- Pope Urban II. '... Distressing news has come to us from the region of Jerusalem... that an alien people... has invaded Christian territory with pillage, fire and the sword. The Turks have taken some of these Christians as captives into their own country. They have completely destroyed some of God's churches.' (S.O.S.E 2 p49 source 2.8.3 extract from pope Urban II speech). The Pope responded with the first crusade in 1096.