Akademik

The crusades made up the sequence of expeditions mounted in Europe with the intention of freeing the Holy Land from Islam, and imposing Christian rule. The crusading movement is striking testimony to the influence of the pope throughout Europe, esp. in the late 11c. For all the mercenary impulses which were attached to later crusades, the first came from a genuine enthusiasm for a holy war against the infidel. The first such military adventure was preached by Pope Urban II in 1095. The nominal purpose was to free the Holy Land from the Muslims. This was achieved when Jerusalem was taken in 1099. Jerusalem then became a kingdom with its first king, Baldwin (1100-18); several other crusader states were also created. There were other expeditions in the 12c, again aimed at the Muslims in the Holy Land and also those in Spain. The Second Crusade was preached in 1145. However, Jerusalem was retaken in 1187 by Saladin. This was followed by the Third Crusade, in which King Richard I played a significant part. The kingdom of Jerusalem lasted precariously until 1291, when Acre fell, despite the efforts of countless crusaders and nobles seeking war and glory. Crusades took place also in other areas, e.g. the Baltic. [< OldFr. croisade < Lat. crux = a cross]

Cf. Crucisignatus