Crusades

The Crusades were a series of intermittent military campaigns in the years from 1096 to 1487, sanctioned by various Popes. In 1095 the Byzantine Emperor, Alexios I, sent an ambassador to Pope Urban II requesting military support in Byzantine's conflict with the westward migrating Turks in Anatolia. The Pope responded by calling Catholics to join what later became known as First Crusade. One of Urban's stated aims was to guarantee pilgrims access to the holy sites in the Holy Land that were under Muslim control while his wider strategy was to reunite the Eastern and Western branches of Christendom, divided after their split in 1054, and establish himself as head of the united Church. This initiated a complex 200-year struggle in the region.

Hundreds of thousands of people from many different classes and nations of Western Europe became crusaders by taking a public vow and receiving plenary indulgences from the church. Some crusaders were peasants hoping for Apotheosis at Jerusalem. Pope Urban II claimed that anyone who participated was forgiven of their sins. In addition to demonstrating devotion to God, as stated by him, participation satisfied feudal obligations and provided opportunities for economic and political gain. Crusaders often pillaged the countries through which they traveled, and contrary to their promises the leaders retained much of this territory rather than returning it to the Byzantines.

Crusade (disambiguation)

The Crusades was a series of religiously-sanctioned military campaigns undertaken by European Christians in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries.

Crusade(s) may also refer to:

Military

Political and cultural

Crusades (album)

Crusades is the third album from Minneapolis-based alternative group The Plastic Constellations. It features additional vocals from P.O.S of Doomtree.

Track listing

References