World History Mr.

Kassube Room #16

World History – The Crusades: Kingdom of Heaven film

The Crusades are in full swing by 1184 AD, with tens of thousands of Europeans flooding to the
Christian Cross in the Middle East. We meet the hero, Balian, in France where he has just lost his wife
and young child. His father rides to meet him there and asks him to join him in the Holy Land. We learn
of some of the background of the conflict, and some of the personalities involved. The crusaders are led
by Guy de Lusignon and Reynald de Chatillon, while the Muslims are led by Saladin. What follows is a
movie exploring the time, the life and horrors of the Crusades.
Directions: Using the information provided in class, from the textbook and the film Kingdom of Heaven,
answer the following questions

1. Pope Urban II issued a call for what he termed a “Holy War”, also known as a _____________, to
gain control of the Holy Land.

2. What were the four main goals or motives of the Crusades?

3. What did the pope guarantee to all who fought and died in a Crusade?

4. What time period (years) does the film take place?

5. This film focuses on the Crusades (which there were many). The portrayal of events in this film
are leading up to which (specific) Crusade? What clues (if any) would indicate this?

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World History Mr. Kassube Room #16

6. What land does King Baldwin IV rule over and what position does he take with the Crusades?

7. What disease does King Baldwin IV suffer from? Explain this disease (e.g. symptoms, side effects,
etc.)

8. Who was Saladin and what role does he play in the Crusades?

9. How was Saladin viewed by those who did not share the same beliefs or values as he? What
does this suggest about his character?

10. Who was Richard the Lionhearted and what role does he play in the Crusades?

11. Comment on the following quote: “First I thought we were fighting for God. Then I realized we
were fighting for wealth and land. I was ashamed.” Were the Crusades about religion or wealth,
according to this movie?

12. Do you think the film portrayed Christians and Muslims accurately and fairly? Explain

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