Cause of
The Crusades
The Crusades
Who controlled Jerusalem before closing it to Christian and Jewish pilgrims?
A new group of Muslim Arabs who took control around 1095 and closed the city to Jews and Christians.
Why did Jerusalem become the central focus of the Crusades?
Jerusalem was sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and all three religions wanted access or control of the city.
Negative impacts felt by all groups involved in The Crusades were....
The wars were long, brutal, and deadly for both the Crusaders and Muslim defenders.
Who was the most powerful figure in the Medieval Church hierarchy?
The Pope
What did Pope Urban II promise Christians who died fighting in the Crusades?
Entry to Heaven
How did the Christians react when they were removed from Jerusalem?
Pope Urban II declared a “holy war” at the Council of Clermont and vowed to reclaim Jerusalem and convert those living there to Christianity.
Why was Jerusalem such a holy site for Christians>
For Christians, Jerusalem was the place where Jesus was crucified and ascended to heaven.
That makes it the physical location of the central moment of their faith — the death and resurrection of Christ.
Long-term negative impacts of The Crusades were.....
The Crusades fuelled centuries of tension between major world religions and reshaped political and cultural relationships across Europe and the Middle East.
Why was the Church so powerful in the Middle Ages?
People believed the Church controlled who could enter heaven, and life was harsh, so salvation was extremely important.
Over what years did the Crusades occur?
1096 - 1271
Why were Christians so willing to fight?
Pope Urban II promised that any Christian who died fighting would go straight to heaven — an incredibly powerful motivator in medieval society.
Why was Jerusalem a holy site for Jews?
For Jews, Jerusalem was the site of the ancient temple built by Solomon — the heart of ancient Jewish worship, identity, and community.
What were three positive effects of the Crusades on Europe?
Increased travel meant, increased trade, spread of religion and sharing of culture.
What was the name of the tax collected by the Church, and how much was it?
10% and it was called the "Tithe"
How many Crusades were there?
9
Why was Constantinople another city fought over during The Crusades?
The conflict began when the Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus asked Pope Urban II for help, as Muslim Turks were threatening Constantinople and a new group of Arab leaders had taken control of Jerusalem, closing it to Christian and Jewish pilgrims.
Why was Jerusalem such a holy site for Muslims?
For Muslims, Jerusalem was the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven. This connects the city directly to the Prophet’s spiritual journey and God’s revelation.
What did Europeans bring back after their travels during The Crusades?
Europeans brought back new ideas in maths, science, medicine, and technology that helped spark major changes later in medieval Europe.
What does “excommunication” mean?
Being cut off from the Church and, effectively, cut off from the community.
Who was allowed to excommunicate people in medieval Europe?
The Pope or a bishop
Who were the three groups battling for control of Jerusalem?
Christians, Jews and Muslims
What was the main negative impact of The Crusades?
There were massive death tolls, with both sides suffering huge losses.
How did Italian states become more powerful after The Crusades?
Because trade across the Mediterranean expanded, Italian city-states (like Venice and Genoa) grew wealthy and influential.
How did the Pope show his extreme level of power in medieval times?
He lived in luxury, could pass laws, and could even order wars such as the Crusades.
Why was the Pope more powerful than kings during medieval times?
Because he could make laws, order wars, and decide who was allowed into heaven.