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This is a very complex question to answer, but here is an attempt to make it quick to read.

Up to the time the Crusades began in the late 11th century, the Holy Land had been in Christian (Greek Orthodox) hands under the Byzantine Empire for most of its history. In the late 600's and early 700's Islam spread rapidly with a sword from Arabia across North Africa to Spain. For the next few hundred years the Byzantines fought the Muslims keeping their advance in check to varying degrees.

Their primary two Muslim enemies were the Turks and Egyptians. The Egyptians eventually conquered much of the Holy Land whereas the Turks began to push into Anatolia in, of course, modern-day Turkey. Not long before the 1st Crusade was called, the Byzantines suffered a terrible defeat against the Turks and were in a tough situation to continue defending against the spread of Muslims into their lands. As a primary reason, this is why the Crusades were first called. Some also argue that the Crusades were started to help stop Europeans from killing each other by creating a common enemy in the "Saracens."

However, the Crusades were given a religious tone because the man who called for their initiation (Pope Urban II) was the religious leader of Europe and similarly the only European leader recognized by every nation (if it was just the king of France who called a crusade there would probably only be French crusaders taking part).

Finally, the tone of the crusades was changed by the fact that for every warrior who fought for religious conviction, there were probably 3 or 4 that were fighting for land. For example, the leaders were: Raymond, Godfrey, Bohemond, Tancred. Raymond was probably the only leader fighting purely for religion whereas Godfrey was a mix. Bohemond and Tancred quickly abandoned the progress of the Crusade once they got land (Antioch and Galilee respectively) while Raymond and Godfrey were the two who actually took Jerusalem.

Attempt to make this quick: FAILED. Hopefully this made sense though.

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Halie Lockman

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Breanne Mohr

Lvl 13
2y ago

This is a very complex question to answer, but here is an attempt to make it quick to read.

Up to the time the Crusades began in the late 11th century, the Holy Land had been in Christian (Greek Orthodox) hands under the Byzantine Empire for most of its history. In the late 600's and early 700's Islam spread rapidly with a sword from Arabia across North Africa to Spain. For the next few hundred years the Byzantines fought the Muslims keeping their advance in check to varying degrees.

Their primary two Muslim enemies were the Turks and Egyptians. The Egyptians eventually conquered much of the Holy Land whereas the Turks began to push into Anatolia in, of course, modern-day Turkey. Not long before the 1st Crusade was called, the Byzantines suffered a terrible defeat against the Turks and were in a tough situation to continue defending against the spread of Muslims into their lands. As a primary reason, this is why the Crusades were first called. Some also argue that the Crusades were started to help stop Europeans from killing each other by creating a common enemy in the "Saracens."

However, the Crusades were given a religious tone because the man who called for their initiation (Pope Urban II) was the religious leader of Europe and similarly the only European leader recognized by every nation (if it was just the king of France who called a crusade there would probably only be French crusaders taking part).

Finally, the tone of the crusades was changed by the fact that for every warrior who fought for religious conviction, there were probably 3 or 4 that were fighting for land. For example, the leaders were: Raymond, Godfrey, Bohemond, Tancred. Raymond was probably the only leader fighting purely for religion whereas Godfrey was a mix. Bohemond and Tancred quickly abandoned the progress of the Crusade once they got land (Antioch and Galilee respectively) while Raymond and Godfrey were the two who actually took Jerusalem.

Attempt to make this quick: FAILED. Hopefully this made sense though.

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Q: Why did the Christians launch the Crusades?
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Related questions

Where the crusades Muslims or Christians?

The Christians where the Crusaders as they started the Crusades


Who was in the Crusades?

Jews, Christians and Muslims were in the Crusades.


Where can you find pictures of Christians' Crusades?

you find pictures of Christians' crusades in google images.


Who was fighting the Crusades?

The Crusades were fought by the Christians and the Muslims.


Were the Crusades wars fought by Christians against the Pope?

No. The Crusades were wars fought between Christians and Islam.


Did Christians like crusades?

Yes Christians liked crusades, because crusades helped them, with a military problems and serfs nobles liked especially because of them they became more rich and etc crusades took those people to the qar, so ya Christians liked crusades


Who had more power in the crusades the Christians or Muslims?

The Christians Of course


What were promised to Christians to get them join to the crusades?

Christians were promised forgiveness and a spot in heaven if they joined the crusades.


What does the document suggest how European Christians felt about fighting in the Crusades?

What does the document suggest how European Christians felt about fighting in the Crusades?


Was it wrong during th crusades for Christians to kill Christians?

Christians mostly killed Muslims and Jews during the Crusades. The whole thing was wrong- it was a slaughter.


Who did the Crusades fight?

Christians and Muslims


Who sent the European Christians to the middle east for the crusades?

Crusades were decreed by Popes.