Why did the people join the crusades?

Answer 1

The people joined for riches to bring back home, to get into heaven( forgiveness), and power The Church offered forgiveness of sins, freedom from serfdom, and it also had adventure, religious appeal, and riches. Constantinople was taken in one of the Crusades, because it was a central part of the Silk Road, so it was a very wealthy city.

Answer 2

They wanted to be part of something much larger than them and they were promised a spot in heaven with god. Also some other reasons were that they (the people) joined the crusade was because of the money, gold, silver and other riches, wanted to escape from their land. In addition they heard the Pope say that he would grant them a pardon (forgiveness) to all who went on the crusade. Furthermore the Pope said that if they died on the journey or in the battle against the Saracens (Muslims )all their sins will be forgiven at once.