Download Crusades

 The Crusades were a series of wars between Europe
and the Muslims for control of the Holy Land. (10961291)
 "crusade" being derived from the French term for taking
up the cross.
 Many other movements of peasants and nobles
throughout Europe and North Africa were also taken
up as “crusades”
 Ex: reconquesta of Spain
 The Turks were attacking the Byzantine Empire (old
Eastern Roman Empire)
 Byzantine Emperor Alexius I asked Pope Urban II for
help
 Urban II asked the rulers of Europe to raise an army
and free the Holy Land
 The Christians defeated the Muslims and created the
“crusader states”
 The Crusader States were being threatened by
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Muslims
The Muslims were led by Salah al Din (Saladin)
The Christians were led by Richard the Lion-Hearted
(Richard I)
After many battles, a peace was negotiated
The Muslims would control Jerusalem, but Christians
had free access to the Holy Land
 Trade brought wealth to Europe, especially Italy
 Feudalism was beginning to weaken
 As cities grew manors began to decline
 European monarchs began to extend their power and
build strong states
 Feudal lords became dependent to the king
 Italian cities such as Venice traded across the
Mediterranean Sea
 Trade gradually increased to the same level as in
Roman times