How did the population of Europe change as resault of the Crusades?

Answer 1

The Crusades, spanning from the late 11th to the late 13th centuries, significantly impacted Europe's population dynamics. Initially, many Europeans left their homes to join the crusading efforts, leading to a temporary decrease in local populations. However, the increased interaction with the Middle East facilitated trade and cultural exchange, which ultimately contributed to urban growth and a population surge in European cities. Additionally, returning crusaders brought back new ideas and technologies, further stimulating economic development and leading to longer-term population increases in the region.