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Crusades DBQ
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Document 1 – Saladin, Muslim leader of the 1100s
“I think that when God grants me victory over the rest of Palestine, I shall divide my territories, make a will stating my
wishes, the set sail on this sea for far-off lands and pursue the Franks there, so as to free the earth from anyone who
does not believe in Allah, or die in the attempt”.
1. What does Saladin want to accomplish before pursuing the Franks?
2. Why do you think Saladin wishes to pursue the Franks?
Document 2 – Pope Urban II Speech at Clermont, 1095
“Let the holy sepulcher of our Lord and Savior, which is possessed by the unclean nations, especially around
you…This royal city [Jerusalem], situated at the center of the earth, is now held captive by the enemies of Chris and is
subjected, by those who do not know God, to the worship of the heathen. Accordingly, undertake this journey eagerly
for the remission of your sins, with the assurance of the reward of imperishable glory in the kingdom of heaven”.
1. What terms does Pope Urban II use in reference to the Islamic faith and its followers?
2. What does the Pope promise to those who fight this battle for Christianity?
Document 3 – People’s Crusade Massacre by the Seljuk Turks (Start of the First Crusade)
The People’s Crusade was a band of peasants and petty nobles that were led by
monk named Peter the Hermit. Most of these crusaders were massacred in 1096
in Asia Minor by the Seljuk Turks, three years before the other Crusaders
captured Jerusalem in 1099.
1. Why would a common peasant or lowly noble follow a man with no military
service on a crusade?
2. What does this say about the power of the Church in the Middle Ages?
Document 4 – Eye witness account of the Capture of Jerusalem by Archbishop William of Tyre
“It was impossible to look upon the vast number of the slain without horror; everywhere lay fragments of human
bodies, and the very ground was covered with blood of the slain. It was not alone the spectacle of headless bodies and
mutilated limbs strewn in all directions that roused the horror of all who looked upon them. Still more dreadful was it
to gaze upon the victors themselves, dripping with blood from head to foot, an ominous sight which brought terror to
all who met them..."
1. According to William of Tyre, at least how many people were killed in this battle?
2. What about this eyewitness account leads one to believe that even in a time full of brutal wars and battles, the
taking of Jerusalem was especially hard?
3. In your opinion, was the First Crusade important? Explain.