THE CRUSADES

Crusader: a person who participated in any of the military

expeditions undertaken by Christian powers in the 11th,
12th, and 13th centuries to win the Holy Land from the
Muslims.

For a Crusaders, religion is “a battle to death for souls

that, if not saved, will be forever lost”.

The Holy land of Palestine, the land where Jesus once

lived, came under the rule of the Muslims in the 7th century. The city of
Jerusalem is sacred to Muslim as well as for Christians, so all the sacred places
were preserved and Christian pilgrims from Europe could visit it.

In the 11th Century the Turks invaded Palestine and other countries. These
Turks, who were also Muslims, didn’t allow Christians to visit this Holy city.
They killed, tortured and sold Christians as slaves.

In November 1095, Pope Urban urged nobles and knights from Europe to free
Jerusalem: “Christ himself will be your leader. Wear his cross as your
badge. If you’re killed, your sins will be pardoned”.

King Richard the Lion-Heart was a crusader, he led his army, defeated Saladin’s
forces and captured Jaffa. Meanwhile, back in England, his brother John was
plotting with King Philip of France and his kingdom was in danger. The crusaders
set sail for home but Richard was captured and the German Emperor held him
for ransom. Most of the money was paid by England’s dutiful English subjects
and he was released after 13 months of imprisonment. He went back to England
and punished those who had supported his rebellious brother John.

a. What was the objective of the crusades?

b. Why is the city of Jerusalem sacred?
c. What happened if a crusader died in battle?
d. Who were plotting against Richard Lion-Heart? Why?
e. Find out: How, where and why did Richard die?