by Paul Lines

Created on: January 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

The crusades were a sequence of religious wars, battles mainly fought between the opposing forces from the Christian nations of Europe and the Saracens (a historical definition applied to any person Arab, Turk or other who professed the religion of Islam ). The actual term "crusade" came from the French word "Croiserie." The reason for its use was because those taking part on the Christian were given a tunic emblazoned with a cross on it. Similarly, they were required to take a vow before taking part in the fight. It was therefore considered that these wars were "Holy" and just. Furthermore, it is universally recognized that Pope Urban II's preaching in 1095 was the major event that provoked the start of the crusades. This serves as another indicator of their religious foundation.

Causes

The initial cause of the crusades predates the commencement of battle by around three decades. It was rooted in 1065 when the Turks captured Jerusalem, a bloody battle that cost the lives of several thousand Christian Pilgrims. Jerusalem is a city that has always been of special significance to Christians. For centuries thousands would partake in peaceful pilgrimage to worship at the famous Churches within the city walls. The majority of the pilgrim traveler's were vulnerable, being unarmed, and therefore would not be able to defend themselves.

Following the events of 1065, leaders of the European Churches became increasingly angry. At services everywhere, the call rang out to release the Holy Land, and particularly Jerusalem, from tyranny and seek revenge for the death of their Christian brothers. Roman Church leaders, convinced themselves that war was the only option, called on their congregations to take action. In fact, had they heeded the call of Pope Gregory VII, the crusades could well have begun two decades prior to the actual events. Although Peter the Hermit, a preacher who led one of the crusading armies, has also been credited with helping to arouse Christians to action, most historians still consider that Pope Urban II was the instigator, with his call to fight on God's behalf against the heathen and Saracens. (Thomas F. Madden 2004. The Crusades: The essential readings).

The Crusaders

Christian's from numerous European countries, including France, Germany and the UK, became part of the crusading armies. Men women and children alike, responded to the calls of religious leaders like the Pope, Peter the Hermit and others, and vowed to follow them to the Middle East and

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